Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September since the 19th century, is an unusual holiday with a storied history. It truly is an American holiday in that it spread from Canada. Unlike many holidays, it does not stem from any religious belief.
The date was chosen to give workers a holiday between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. Joining Canada and conforming to most state celebrations, the United States’ Labor Day, on the first Monday of September, became a federal holiday in 1894.
Helping to mitigate the controversy that surrounded historic labor union strikes, many fun traditions developed regarding Labor Day. With the dog days of summer having subsided, the weather was optimal for outdoor activities. Labor Day was promoted as the official end of summer, a time to get back to school and to begin fall sports.
As far back as 1950, the Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held on this weekend. National Hot Rod Association drag race finals are also held.
The Southern 500 is now officially the Cookout Southern 500. In 1950, Darlington was the first track to offer a NASCAR 500 event. Darlington provides what some believe to be the most challenging NASCAR track.
The asymmetrical oval shape circuit has earned the nickname “The track Too Tough to Tame.” It is notoriously narrow, providing a maximum of two lanes for passing. Turns one and two have a sweeping 25-degree banking. Turns three and four are abrupt, sharp-corner turns as in short track racing.
The turn changes are a super challenge. The roughness of the surfaces leads to rapid tire wear, another challenging aspect of the course. While seeking speed, drivers must adjust to ever-changing conditions.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) offers another racing event. Finals for NHRA U.S. Nationals have been held at Indianapolis Raceway Park since 1961. Currently, the track name is Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Known for its history, NHRA U.S. Nationals is the longest-running motorsports event in the United States. The multi-day event has a reputation for being the largest racing competition with the largest purse.
To recognize sponsorship, the official title is Cornwall Quality Tools NHRA U. S. Nationals. Over several days, various sponsors offer competitions including two drag racing series, a factory stock showdown, and a funny car all-star callout.
The 71st NHRA U.S. Nationals competitions begin on Aug. 27, with the grand final on Labor Day. It is trademarked as The World’s Biggest Race.
Besides car racing, Labor Day marks other significant sporting events throughout the nation. Labor Day signals the beginning of college games, national football and tennis championships.
Typically, National Collegiate Athletic Association teams start their games on Labor Day weekend. It is also the midpoint of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
The National Football League, in line with other sports, generally plays the season’s kickoff game on the Thursday after Labor Day. NFL games played before this date are “pre-season.”
Beginning the season, the NFL promotes a holiday match-up schedule. The promotion advertises “The holidays and football go hand-in-hand.”
Since 2002, with one exception for scheduling purposes, the NFL Kickoff Game has been on Thursday night of Labor Day week. Since 2004, the previous year’s Super Bowl champions usually host the regular season’s kickoff game.
On Sept. 4, the Dallas Cowboys play the Eagles in Philadelphia. The NFL webpage describes this game as “an epic showdown.” It can be noted that home-field advantage tends to play a role, with the home team typically winning the game.
In whichever way you choose to enjoy Labor Day, shop locally for yummy treats while enjoying your favorite sports contest or other activities.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
