North Texans celebrate Labor Day with parades, triathlon, and more
GARLAND, Texas - It was a busy day for many North Texans celebrating the unofficial end of summer. There were parades, fitness events, and family activities.
The Labor Day holiday is a federal holiday meant to celebrate all of the working people who make America great. And for those fortunate enough to have the day off, it was a day to rest and recharge.
Garland Labor Day Parade
The bands, drill teams, and cheerleaders from all seven Garland ISD high schools participated in Garland’s annual Labor Day parade.
Youth organizations, law enforcement officers, clowns, and more marched along the mile-and-a-half parade route.
Roughly 5,000 spectators, many of them proud parents, lined the streets to cheer.
"It’s really exciting. It’s great to see so many kids and families coming together. So it’s really, really nice," said Carmella Martin, who attended the parade.
"It’s great. He’s a really good musician. He’s in 10th grade going into 11th grade. We’re just trying to support the kids and stuff," added Richard Redd, another parade goer.
Labor Fest at Panther Island Pavilion
In Fort Worth, the Tarrant County AFL-CIO hosted Labor Fest at the Panther Island Pavilion.
The event for members of organized labor unions featured live music, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, and more.
Organizers said they wanted to remind everyone about the importance of solidarity and standing up for workers' rights, fairness, and justice in the workplace.
"I hope they take away that we are all in this together working because we all work for a living and we all have to put food on the table. And if we work together, if we stand together and we're not divided, we can make a better world. We can make a better place," said Brian Golden, the president of TWU Local 591.
Local congressmen Colin Alred and Marc Veasey both addressed the crowd.
The Tarrant County Central Labor Council has already endorsed both candidates for the Nov. 5 election.
Blackland Adult and Youth Triathlon
Labor Day often involves a little friendly competition.
The Blackland Adult and Youth Triathlon held at Plano’s Oak Point Recreation Center provided just the outlet.
"Having fun, and for me, that’s triathlon and aquathlon, and any kind of multi-sport event," said Hunter Dorrill, a race participant.
Dallas Arboretum Petting Zoo
For those in search of a slower pace, the Dallas Arboretum had something for the whole family.
"We heard they had a petting zoo, so we’ve just been wandering around and enjoying our day. It’s been great," said Katie Simmons, who visited the arboretum on Monday.
In addition to the petting zoo, folks enjoyed the luscious grounds.
The Estrada family thought it was the perfect temperature to have a picnic.
"We live in the neighborhood. So, we definitely do a lot of stuff here at the arboretum. Take advantage of it," Daniel Estrada said.
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They certainly weren’t alone.
Blake and Winter Williams had the same idea. They snagged a shady spot for their lazy Labor Day feast.
"We saw this spot and claimed it as soon as we got here," they said. "It’s too beautiful to be anywhere else."
Those interested in heading out to the arboretum in the coming days can beat the heat with extended summer hours. The garden opens at 8 a.m. through Sept. 20.