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7 Things to Do in New Jersey over Labor Day Weekend

September 4, 2015

Labor Day is coming up fast! It’s September 5 to 7, meaning that it’s a long weekend! This has been a time to celebrate workers, the labor movement, and the contributions of the working people towards America’s prosperity.

Make the most of these last 3 days of summer for tanning, swimming, and sleeping in – as well as the following Labor Day festivities in New Jersey!

Annual Scandinavian Fest (Budd Lake)

Did your kids go nuts for Frozen? Show them the culture behind the Disney super hit at the ScanFest. This annual festival celebrates the culture and history of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden with tons of traditional foods, crafts, artisanal demonstrations, and live music. For the competitors among you, hang out with the Vikings and compete in the annual wife carrying contest—that’s right, no typo there.

Riverdale Street Fair (Riverdale)

Party it up at this enormous block bash that takes over the Newark-Pompton Turnpike all the way from Newbury Place to Cotluss Road. It’s free to attend, but there’s no shortage of fun. If you like shopping, hit up the 100+ vendors selling their wares. If you have kids, don’t hesitate to stop by the kid zone for kiddie rides, clowns, and face painting. Celebrate Labor Day by boogieing to the live music that will play all day long, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Labor Day BBQ at The Gazebo (Hamilton)

What’s Labor Day without barbecue?! Grounds for Sculpture is a whimsical sculpture garden where you can admire the art, hang out with the peacocks roaming the park, and romp on the green. It’s usually closed on Mondays, but it’ll be open especially for Labor Day. The Gazebo is one of the restaurants on the grounds and located right in the heart of the park. On this day, they’ll be serving up hot dogs, burgers, veggie burgers, and specialty sundaes to savor while taking in the culture.

South Plainfield 53rd Annual Labor Day Parade (South Plainsfield)

One of the oldest and largest parades in the Northeast, this is one parade not to miss. If you never miss a workout, get in your run during the 5k fun run or the organized fitness walk.

There will also be the melodious sounds of traditional Scottish bagpipers filling the air as homemade floats move down the parade route. Expect to see colorful clowns and diligent Boy and Girl Scouts among the attendees, too.

As the evening winds down, slow dance with your sweetie to the live band as fireworks burst overhead. Magical, no?

Labor Day West Indian Carnival Parade (Brooklyn)

Venture to the city for one of the most famous parades on the East Coast—even though it isn’t Labor Day themed, per se. It’s been a tradition since the 1940s for Caribbean immigrants and descendants to take over for a big party. This is the time to enjoy everything Caribbean, from masquerade dancers to crafts and floats. If you attend this one, save me some jerk chicken!

Junior Clamshell Pitching Tournament (Cape May)

If heading to the shore is more your style, check out this long-running tournament on Friday. It’s open to kids in two divisions: age six to 11 and 12 to 17. Registration starts at 11; the tournament begins at noon.

How do you play? Coach your kids to toss a clamshell 25 feet at a small hole dug in the sand. There are trophies for all winners and runners-up

Get LASIK (OCLI, East Hanover)

Patients who get LASIK eye surgery usually take a few days to get used to the process and to heal. Because of this recovery time, it can be a great idea to schedule your procedure for a time when you don’t need to return to work immediately.

Dr. Silverman and the OCLI team have been helping the New Jersey community improve its eyesight for over 25 years. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (973) 560-1500 or fill out our quick digital form.

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