The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body's Labor Day Picnic has been a tradition nearly as long as Labor Day itself, which dates back to 1882. This year will mark the 117th Labor Day observance in Duluth.

Anything that lasts that long has to have gone through a lot of changes to survive. This year could mark the start of something new and great as the picnic will be staged for the first time at beautiful, spacious Bayfront Festival Park on the waterfront from noon to 4 p.m.

The site affords accessible parking and room for growth in the future, something Mayor Herb Bergson had hoped would happen when he suggested the change from Park Point last year.

"We're going to be just getting our feet wet there this year but it will be still be our normal, great picnic," said Picnic Chair Yvonne Harvey. "Come next year we hope to be expanding the picnic and making better use of the space. That will require more volunteers pitching in."

More entertainment and more involvement by labor's coalition partners are some of the ideas that will be pursued.

This year's featured guest is AFL-CIO Organizing Director Stewart Acuff who will address the gathering around 2 p.m. Many elected officials are also expected to be present and making a run for the microphone as they usually do.

For information contact Yvonne Harvey at 728-1779.

Iron Range Picnic
The Iron Range Labor Assembly will hold its "2nd Annual Day Before Labor Day Picnic" on Sunday, Sept. 4. The Virginia picnic will be held in Olcott Park from noon to 5 p.m. with the whole nine yards of activities.

"Last year's inaugural was a big hit in spite of the rainy weather," said Picnic Chair Joe Moren. "Elected officials liked that we held our picnic to not conflict with the other celebrations." For Virginia information contact Joe Moren at 263-5704.

Carlton County Celebration
The Carlton County Central Labor will sponsor their 86th Cloquet Labor Day Celebration beginning Thursday, Sept. 1 through Labor Day. For more information, see the Workday Minnesota article, Cloquet celebration features five days of events/a>

Superior, Wis., Dance
The Superior Federation of Labor will host its Labor Day event in the evening from 7 to 10 p.m. at Good Sports, 2827 Oakes Ave. Music and door prizes highlight their night. For Superior information contact Janice Terry, 394-2896.

The Brainerd Trades & Labor Assembly will have a picnic at Baxter Park. For information contact Ken Zelinske at 829-0222.

St. Cloud's Central Minnesota Trades & Labor Assembly will hold a picnic at Riverside Park. For information contact Richard Steffes at (320) 251-5615.

For more information
Track Duluth labor activities at the Labor World's website, www.laborworld.org