Happy Labor Day!

Image credit: Mystic Vision Gallery

Traditionally, kids return to school (although lots of places start before Labor Day nowadays), it’s the unofficial end of summer, and, according to National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, it’s the end of peak hot dog season. It’s a time to bid summer adieu and start planning autumn activities in advance of winter’s inevitable onset.

This Federal holiday was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1894 as day set aside to recognize workers whose labor and industry strengthen and grow our country and economy. It was a feeble attempt to pacify the increasing unrest in workers who historically had spent 12 hours/day, 7 days/week ‘working for the man’ with little to show for it. The rise of labor unions during this period necessitated a change in the way workers were treated.

The first Labor Day Parade in New York City - September 1882

The concept was conceived as a union-organized parade that was held in New York City in September 1882. At least 20,000 union members from many different labor unions came together as one to show support and celebrate their solidarity, all giving up a day’s pay to attend. New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit and many other cities still celebrate Labor Day with union-sponsored parades and festivities. According to the Library of Congress and the Labor Department, beer played a significant role in the event and a considerable amount was consumed during the celebration.

In keeping with that first Labor Day parade and all the BBQs and cookouts that will occur today, it’s also National Beer Lovers’ Day, honoring beer’s heritage, history, brewing craftsmanship and hundreds of different styles. According to Wiki, humans have brewed beer for at some 9,000 to 13,000 years, making it one of the oldest known fermented beverages in the world.

We certainly indulge in a ‘cold one’ especially after a hike!

Though beer falls into two main categories, ales and lagers, there are so many different styles that it’s hard to distinguish them all… IPAs, APAs, stouts, porters, pilsners, wheats, sours, bocks, ambers… the list goes on. Each style is defined by ingredients such as type of grains and flavors, plus their yeast fermentation process, times and temperatures. It’s a passion and an adventure for craft brewmasters and beer lovers alike.

Our son, Brennan, is a connoisseur of beers. He’s helped set up a brewmaster friend in his new craft brewery in Ashville, NC and been rewarded by getting to concoct his own brew and, I would imagine, probably sampling several others. He uses an app called Untappd which keeps track of what beers you’ve tried, how many others have tried it, and allows you to rate them. He’s sampled and rated 6,013 different beers since 2012 throughout the States and in 74 different countries. He really likes beer!

Back to Labor Day - A reminder that because of highly promoted Labor Day Sales, retail workers and lots of other people like medical staff, police, firemen, military and others, don’t get the day off. It’s just like any other work day for them while the rest of us are celebrating. Keep them in mind today!

Enjoy the last fling of summer. Kick your feet up, have a cold beer, and relax a bit before autumn and the autumnal frenzy of the holidays approach. Happy Labor Day!