How to Celebrate Labor Day 2019

What exactly IS Labor Day?
We all know that we get the day off for Labor Day, and that it lands on the first Monday of September (Sept. 2, in this case)…but what exactly is it? Why do we celebrate it?

According to the Department of Labor, the first Labor Day was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882 in New York City. It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers in America. In essence, it pays tribute to the contributions workers have made to the well-being of our country.

While the first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882, it took until 1894 for Congress to pass an act making the first Monday of September a federal holiday.

There is still some question as to who actually founded Labor Day. Some believe that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was the first to suggest the holiday.

However, others think that it was actually Matthew Maguire, a machinist, was the founder. Research most recently done indicates that it was Matthew Maguire. Regardless, we do know that the Central Labor Union adopted the proposal and appointed a committee to develop plans for a picnic and demonstration.

Some Labor Day Traditions

As on the very first Labor Day, many people follow the tradition of having a big picnic to celebrate a day of no work and all that they have accomplished through their labors! Some also attend speeches at labor unions or parades down the streets of their city or town. Some simply recognize it as a last hurrah of summer and spend a long weekend at the beach or on another short vacation!

Cookout Ideas

While we can’t tell you what speaker to listen to or where to head for your weekend, we do have some ideas for your cookout spread, 😏

Sausage and Peppers

What You Need:
2 packages of Uncle Charley’s Italian Sausages (hot, sweet, or extra hot)
3 bell peppers, sliced
1 large red onion, sliced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. Garlic
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
10 hoagie rolls

What to Do:
Add all ingredients (excepting the hoagie rolls) to the crockpot on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve on hoagie rolls with cheese.

Serves up to 10 people.
Prep/cook time: 4.5 hours

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans and Sausage
What You Need:
2 packages of Uncle Charley’s Sriracha Pineapple Selects
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup ketchup
¼ cup barbecue sauce
3 tbs. Brown sugar
1 tsp. Chili pepper
1 tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Pepper
2 tbsp. Mustard
1 large can (28 oz.) of pork and beans
1 can (16 oz.) of small red or black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (16 ounces) pinto beans or great northern, drained, rinsed
1 can (8 oz.) of crushed pineapple

What to Do:
Cut sausages into 1-inch pieces or leave whole. Place in crockpot. Add the chopped onion to the sausages.
In a large bowl combine the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, and mustard. Mix well. Add the canned beans and stir to blend; stir in pineapple. Pour mixture over the sausages and onions and mix to blend.
Cover and cook on high for an hour, then reduce the heat to low and cook 3 to 5 hours longer.
Serve with barbecue on buns or over hot cooked rice.

Serves up to 8 people.
Prep/cook time: 6.5 hours

Feeling ready to celebrate the fruits of your labor? Let us know how these recipes go in the comments! Happy Labor Day 🙌