Check Out These Labor Day Weekend Festivals

Labor day celebrates the contributions of America's workforce to the prosperity of our nation. The holiday came to be through the efforts of early labor union organizers in the late 19th century. Initially, the holiday gained recognition through municipal ordinances. Later, a movement evolved demanding the holiday be state legislated. Finally, on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday of September, Labor Day.

The holiday is celebrated in many different ways. The first fall festivals begin, and families take advantage of the holiday to visit and enjoy the last long weekend of the summer. Here are four events in the Kansas City area, that draw people wanting to make the most of the last days of summer:

Santa-Cali-Gon Days

Three historical western bound trails originated in Independence, MO. As pioneers sought to change their fortunes, they would travel to Independence to join-up with others heading west on the California and Oregon Trails. Traders drawn by the opportunity for quick high volume sales also flocked to Independence and traveled farther south to trade all the way to Mexico via the Santa Fe Trail. Santa-Cali-Gon Days celebrates this Independence legacy while promoting "tourism" and "community spirit":

The Experience: Arts, Crafts, Music and other entertainment, vendors
When: 8/31--9/3
Where: Independence Square
Admission: Free

KC Irish Fest

For five years, the KC Irishfest has been a fun and enriching addition to Kansas City's roster of ethnic festivals. The festival is "dedicated to the preservation of the Midwest's rich Irish heritage," and it's the 4th largest celebration of its kind in the United States by attendance (69,000 in2006). This year baking, knitting and photography contests have been added to the festival events.

The Experience: Traditional and Celtic Rock performances (local, national and international talent), Heritage displays and workshops, loads of children's activities, 3rd Annual Feis (Irish Dance Competition), an Outdoor Mass on Sunday.
When: 8/31--9/2
Where: Crown Center
Admission: Children 12 & Under Free
Tickets $8--$5 online; $10 at the gate
Seniors $5

Rock the Light

Rock the Light, "the largest Contemporary Christian music festival in the Midwest," has inspired and entertained audiences for eight years. The festival features regional bands and nationally acclaimed artists. Dove Award winner, Chris Tomlin and Grammy nominated artist, Toby Mac headline this year's festival.

The Experience: Great Contemporary Christian Rock, Family Fun zone (family friendly games and activities), Vendors (family friendly books and apparel, artist merchandise and music)
Where: Starlight Theatre
When: 8/31--9/1
Admission: $16 to $80; group discounts available

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Huzzah! Giant turkey legs, swordfights, and the crowning of a true king each day of the festival bring people back year after year. Unique crafts, jewelry, and other artisan items are available for purchase, while the smells of ye olde country cooking waft across the air as people stroll the pathways of a 16th century European town recreated in the Heartland. Knights joust, ladies curtsey and fun is had by everyone.

The Experience: Music, food, history, period costumes, crafts, games,
special events and attractions (jousting, swordfights, minstrels and ye olde goode tyme)
Where: Bonner Springs, KS 15 minutes west of downtown Kansas City on I-70 and K-7 highways
Admission: Adults $15.95; children $7.95; students & seniors $14. 50