More Ideas for Labor Day Events and Activities! (Part 2)

Holy moon pie! Here at Gozaic, we haven’t run out of ways to send summer packing in memorable style (Part 1). A variety of events and festivals can be found around the country, and some of our favorites are listed here. But really, can it get any better than a moon pie eating contest?!

19th Annual Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest
Birmingham, Alabama, Sept. 6, 2010
On Labor Day, participate in Alabama’s largest moon pie eating contest and compete for prize money at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Across the park, the United Mine Workers hold their annual Birmingham District Labor Day celebration. There’s plenty of good barbecue and some “singing and picking!”

Threshermen’s Reunion & Parade
Pontiac, Illinois, Sept. 2-5, 2010
Step back in time at the Central States Threshermen's Reunion in Pontiac, Illinois, held annually over Labor Day weekend. Come see and experience traditional events, including rock crushing, threshing, sheep shearing, tractor pulls and a variety of country music shows. To wrap up the Threshermen's Reunion, there is a parade downtown featuring all the historic tractors and steam engines, on Sunday, Sept. 5.

BBQ Train
Ely, Nevada, Sept. 4, 2010
Hop aboard the BBQ Train, one of the Nevada Northern Railway’s last four Summer Specialty Trains. Depart the East Ely Depot on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy a Dutch oven-style barbecue dinner aboard the train. Dining aboard a historic train on a summer night is an enchanting experience you won’t want to miss!

2nd Annual Taos Mountain Music Festival
Taos, New Mexico, Sept. 5, 2010
Make the most of your Labor Day holiday and support the 2nd Annual Taos Mountain Music Festival on Sunday. Hear world-renowned recording artists and enjoy a fun-filled weekend, including festivities, great food, children’s games, and arts and crafts on Strawberry Hill. The festival features a wide spectrum of music, from blues and hip-hop to country and Latin grooves.

Harvest Festival & Alpaca Festival
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel Woods, New York, Sept. 5, 2010
Celebrate the bounty, talent and beauty of Sullivan County and surrounding areas at the 12th annual Harvest Festival at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Over the years, the event has grown from a small farmers market to a full festival featuring close to 100 vendors, along with craft village and festival food areas. Each week a different theme is complemented by special events and live performances, a children's area with enrichment activities that include arts and crafts, as well as corn and hay mazes, pony rides, "gathering of the scarecrows" and more. The Alpaca Festival is on Sept. 5.

Kerrville Wine & Music Festival
Kerrville, Texas, Sept. 3-5, 2010
Each year over Labor Day weekend, wine lovers and music enthusiasts gather at the Quiet Valley Ranch (nine miles south of Kerrville on Texas Highway 16) to celebrate the art of songwriting and winemaking at the Kerrville Wine & Music Festival. This Texas Hill Country setting is perfect for introducing the newest and best Texas wines. The festival includes performances by dozens of the world’s best songwriters.

Garlic & Herb Festival
Bennington, Vermont, Sept. 4-5, 2010
Join garlic lovers from throughout New England, as they come to sample food and crafts from 50 different vendors, all made from -- you guessed it -- garlic and herbs! Demonstrations include weed walks, planting and braiding of garlic and much more. Live entertainment and great food all day long.

Photos top to bottom:
Threshermen's Reunion. Photo courtesy of Pontiac P.R.O.U.D.
Pumpkins at the Bethel Woods Harvest Fair. Photo courtesy of Jane Axamethy.
Garlic and Herb Festival, Bennington, Vermont. Photo courtesy of town of Bennington.