It’s like we turn around and another couple of months have already blown by us and that summer we were loving so much is threatening to become fall.
And, lately, there’s been a bit of chill in the air, especially at night. Maybe ol’ Heikki Lunta is going to show up sooner than most of us would like, hey?
But before those blustery days are upon us and we truly do signal the end of our summer, we have one more hurrah in store--Labor Day.
There aren’t as many celebrations for Labor Day in this day and age as there were back when the labor movements were in full force. Instead, it has come to be known as something more about taking some time away from that slaving desk job or that back-breaking not-so-desk job and spending time with your family and friends. It’s a day that gives us a long three-day weekend in which we can relax, have some fun and take a breath and enjoy the fruits of our labors.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a celebration or two here in the Upper Peninsula. Instead, it’s a great opportunity to visit an area that you may not normally hit your brakes and take a stop in.
Take, for example, Rock. That tiny little town in Delta County is located on M-35 (if you hit Perkins or McFarland--also tiny little towns on M-35--you’ve gone too far, so turn around) and it throws one heck of a Labor Day bash. The parade and celebration all begin at 10 a.m. right on M-35 (which gets shut down for the duration of the parade) and people from all walks of life show up. You might see some football players from Mid Peninsula High School’s new eight-man squad, or maybe a local politician or two. There’s typically a few nice cars, some great floats and, of course, about as much candy as you can eat being tossed to the spectators.
After, everyone settles down for some eats and games behind the Rock Lion’s Club (may we suggest the pasties that the Lions are selling--they are tasty). All in all, it’s a great big celebration in a small little town. Just like it was meant to be.
But, get there early. By 9 a.m., cars are parked all over the town, and the best seats are quickly being snagged. Don’t be late, or you’ll end up parking, almost literally, in the middle of nowhere.
For us here at Upper Peninsula Second Wave, Labor Day means something else--a dark week. We’re going to take some time away from publishing for a week, but we’ll be back Sept. 14 for another great issue.
We appreciate, as always, your interest in our weekly publication and we look forward to continuing to bring you some great news and feature pieces about this wonderful peninsula we call home.
Until then, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day, and make sure to try one of those pasties.
Sam Eggleston is the editor of U.P. Second Wave and was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. He attended Mid Peninsula High School and went to more Rock Labor Day parades than he can possibly recall--and he still loves having a pasty or two. You can reach him via email.
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