2009 Labor Day Events and Festivities in St. Louis, Missouri

The Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. The final summer fling before teachers and kids return to school and daylight hours shorten. While many are already making plans on how to celebrate the Labor Day weekend, some are still trying to decide whether to take a weekend trip or simply break out the BBQ grill for the last time. Of course, you can stay in your own backyard and enjoy the many events that St. Louis has to offer over the Labor Day weekend.

For the football enthusiast, the annual Arch Rivalry Football Game is the place to be. The University of Missouri butts heads with their rival from across the Muddy Mississippi River, the University of Illinois. The game begins at 2:30 P.M. on September 5th at the Edward Jones Dome. Tickets go on sale on August 1st and for further info go to www.stlouissports.org/events.

Speaking of the Big Muddy, the Big Muddy Blues Festival is a Labor Day tradition in St. Louis. The festival features both local and national talent playing the best blues music to be heard anywhere. Five stages will dot the Laclede's Landing landscape for the September 5-6 festival. Cost is free, but your favorite beverages, unfortunately, are not. Visit www.lacledeslanding.com for more information and a schedule of performance times.

Another enjoyable and fascinating St. Louis Labor Day weekend tradition to consider is the annual Japanese Festival held at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, September 5-7. For 33 years this celebration of Japanese culture has delighted crowds - both young and old alike. Japanese culture comes to life with music and dancing, art exhibitions, arts and crafts, demonstrations and, of course, food. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 3-12 years of age. Discounts are available for seniors and Missouri Botanical Garden members. Visit the Garden's website for more details.

If you are thinking that St. Louis is rich in Labor Day weekend tradition and festivals, you are correct. One of the best is the Greek Festival held at St. Nicholas Greek Church. St. Nicholas Greek Church is located at 4967 Forest Park Blvd adjacent to Forest Park. The festival runs throughout the weekend - September 5-7. Greek music and dancing to make your heart feel good. Greek wares are sold in the bazaar. But the highlight of the festival and what attracts the throngs attending year after year is the traditional Greek cuisine. Be prepared to fall of the diet wagon on the day you attend. Many mouth watering main dishes and delightful (and rich) pastries will make you forget the traditional Labor Day weekend BBQ. Visit St. Nicholas Church for pictures and descriptions of the food and other information.

Finally, what would be a holiday without a parade? The Labor Day parade in St. Louis will be held on September 7, starting at 9:00 A. M. in downtown St. Louis. Come watch as members of the various labor unions parade through the streets in honor of this Labor Day.