It's not your normal picnic.

You can still spread a blanket on the lawn, but the Saint Paul Trades and Labor Assembly's annual Labor Day Picnic offers much more than that -- including surprises that only an election year can bring.

The picnic takes place Sept. 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Harriet Island. Admission to the family event is free. Among the day's events:

? Inspirational speakers, including writer Jim Hightower and radio host Wendy Wilde
? Music and dancing, including Sounds of Blackness, Danza Quetzaloatlicue and Larry Long
? Surprise guests
? Exhibits by unions and progressive partners
? Youth March for Justice
? Food and beverages
? Raffles
? Voter registration
? Educational workshops on the Showboat
? Games for the mind and body
? Exhibits, including the University of Minnesota Raptor Center and butterflies from the Friends of Lilydale Park
? Classic car show
? Big trucks, including rigs from Lakes and Plains Regional Council of Carpenters, Teamsters Local 120, Saint Paul Fire Department, and a crane simulator from Operating Engineers Local 49
? Wellstone campaign bus
? Children's activities led by Bare Bones Theater
? Health screenings supplied by Minnesota Nurses Association
? Red Cross bloodmobile
? Interfaith worship service at 11 a.m.

Because parking is limited, a free shuttle bus will operate between Harriet Island and the St. Paul College parking lot.

For more information
View updates to the Labor Day picnic schedule of events and speakers at www.stpaulunions.org