Labor Day this year is Monday, Sept. 3. If you're a union member then this is your day, and there are a number of events statewide that you can attend and take part in the celebration.

 

In Portland, Oaks Park will once again host the state's largest Labor Day event. The picnic, which attracts nearly 15,000 people, is sponsored by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, and this year there are some new twists. Vocalist and saxophonist Patrick Lamb, a member of Musicians Local 99, will perform this year. Lamb is a popular performing and recording artist from Portland. He plays rhythm and blues, soul and jazz. Lamb will perform on the main stage from 12-noon to 1 p.m. and again from 2 to 3 p.m.

 

Also featured for the first time this year will be professional wrestling, starring Dr. Pain. Matches will be held throughout the day, capped by a 20-man "Over-The-Top Battle Royale" starting around 3 p.m. Other featured wrestlers are Caution, Hazard, Cowboy "Tex" Thompson, Widowmaker, Buddy Highway and more.

 

Plenty of politicians will be on hand — not to wrestle, but to meet union members and their families.

 

Several of the larger Portland-area AFSCME locals host and co-sponsor the Council 75 area of the picnic. If you are from a small local that doesn't participate as a sponsor, just show up and one of the other locals will be happy to "adopt" you and your family. The gates at Oaks Park open at 10 a.m.

 

Here are other union-sponsored Labor Day picnics that have been reported as of this posting:

 

ASTORIA — Picnic at Cullaby Lake Park (8.5 miles south of Astoria) from 12-noon to 4 p.m., sponsored by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 50. Call (503) 325-2271 for more information. Attendance: approximately 600.

 

BEND — Picnic at Pioneer Park from 12-noon to 4 p.m., sponsored by the Central Oregon Central Labor Council and area unions. The picnic will include a free picnic lunch and non-alcoholic refreshments, live music, games for kids, a celebration of recent labor victories in Central Oregon and remarks by Oregon union representatives and elected officials. People are encouraged to bring a dessert or other dish to share. Contact Fernando Gapasin at (503) 701-6701 or Jerry Fletcher at (541) 350-0265 for more information. Attendance: approximately 200.

 

MEDFORD — Picnic at TouVelle State Park in White City from 11 a.m. to dusk, sponsored by the Southern Oregon Central Labor Council. Call Carol Bennett at (541) 664-0804 for more information. Attendance: approximately 300.

 

NORTH BEND — Picnic at Ferry Street Park in North Bend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., sponsored by the Southwestern Oregon Central Labor Council. Call Robert Westerman at (541) 756-3907 or Shawn Jennings at (541) 396-3244 for more information. Attendance: approximately 500.

 

SALEM — Oregon State Fair. The Oregon AFL-CIO labor booth in the Central Canopy area continues to be staffed with union volunteers on Labor Day, the 11th and final day of the State Fair. There is always a need for help at the State Fair booth on this day. Contact Al Dorgan of the Steelworkers union at (541) 619-2555 if you're interested.

 

SPRINGFIELD — Picnic at Jasper Park, Shelter #4 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., sponsored by the Lane County Labor Council. Park entry fee is $3 per vehicle. Music, games and elected officials will be on hand. Bring a side dish to share. Contact Cj Mann at (541) 913-0056 for more information.

 

— Much of the information in this article came courtesy of the Northwest Labor Press