Labor Day fun is no chore

Labor Day weekend is like one last quick blip of summer after the school year starts. Texans surely know how to make the most of it. There are plenty of holiday festivities throughout the state, and here are a few.

This is just a small list of Labor Day events. Use the Texas Highways Events Calendar to find more. Official event links appear after the map in listings.

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is an annual tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

West: Each Labor Day Weekend, you can count on the town of West for throwing a great party in celebration of the area’s Czech heritage. WestFest offers an authentic experience, at the West Fair and Rodeo grounds, that showcases Czech music, family activities and food, including the beloved kolache.

Bedford: The party in Beford begins Friday, Sept. 2 with the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival. The event brings musicians, bands and barbecue togetyher for festivities that run through Sunday, Sept. 4. Barbecue isn’t the only thing on the menu. Other food vendors will be on hand, as well as artisan vendors selling jewelry, pottery, and other arts and crafts. Tickets – from $7 general admission to $250 (camper option) are avaible online.

Houston: In Houston on Saturday, September 3, is the National Beer Mile, an event for fitness or drinking connoisseurs or both. The two distinctive activities are combined for an exciting, yet safe day of fun. The price of the event includes four beers during a mile-long race (running or walking). Following the race, there’s an after party with live music, games, and an open bar.

Galveston: Head to the coast for Galveston’s Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival. Friday through Sunday, September 2-4, with more than 400 craft beers featured between the two signature events: the BrewHaHa Grand Tasting and the BrewLicious Beer & Food Pairing. Enjoy your brew with live music or over educational lessons about brewing and food pairing.

Stonewall: The Texas Hill Country welcomes wine lovers to Stonewall’s 20^th Annual Grape Stomp at Becker Vineyards. On Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4, barrels are split in half and filled with grapes ready to be stomped. The event is free and open to the public. Get your “stomp prints” on a souvenir T-shirts while you’re there. There also will be the “Lucy and The Italian Woman Costume Contest” on Sunday.

Here are a few more events:

Bandera: Bandera Market days

Bertram: Oatmeal Festival

Boys Ranch: Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Labor Day Rodeo

Brady: World Championship Goat Cook-off

Fredericksburg: First Friday Art Walk

Freeport: Summertime Blues Fest

Goodnight: Goodnight Under the Stars

Garland: Garland Labor Day Parade

Granbury: Labor Day Weekend Celebration

New Berlin: Annual Sausage Festival

Plano: Texas Pool’s Labor Day Party