39th annual Fairbanks Labor Day Parade ends at Pioneer Park picnic

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - To celebrate Labor Day, Fairbanks residents gathered for the annual Fairbanks Labor Day Parade in the Golden Heart City.

The rain couldn’t stop the event, now in its 39th year, as unions, performers, and political officials gathered at Noel Wien Library to line up for the event.

From there, the gathering headed west on Airport Way, ending up at Pioneer Park for a picnic.

The Teamsters, Teachers’ unions, Pipefitter’s union and more all showed up to represent their members and underline the importance of labor in our city. The JROTC from Lathrop High School also showed their colors, and the Red Hackle Pipe Band followed close behind, with bagpipes and more.

According to State Senator Scott Kawasaki, the holiday is an opportunity to reflect on how far Alaska has come since gaining statehood. “A lot of the labor that created the state was in those lines. In fact, some of them were riding in the car up front because they’re no longer able to walk, but they’re still part of the labor efforts and labor movement here in the state. It’s just great that we’re able to see people who helped physically build the state, who are still alive today.”

Labor Day has been celebrated since 1882, and since 1894 has been a federal holiday, celebrated the first Monday in September.

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