A truck pulls a United Steelworkers float during a past Labor Day parade in Ishpeming. This year’s Labor Day parade will take place in Negaunee at 11 a.m. Monday. (Journal file photo)

By CHRISTIE MASTRIC

Journal Staff Writer

NEGAUNEE — Need a fun thing to do when you’re not laboring on Labor Day?

The Marquette Alger Community Labor Council, AFL-CIO and Upper Peninsula Regional Labor Federation will hold a Labor Day parade and picnic at the Jim Thomas Pavilion at Jackson Mine Park, 199 Tobin St., Negaunee.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, followed by a picnic, music and rally from noon to 4 p.m.

The theme of this year’s parade is “It’s Better in a Union.”

This year’s parade marshal will be 2023 U.P. Labor Hall of Fame inductee Greg Seppanen, a Northern Michigan University trustee and a retired teacher.

The rally will include live music by Mike Waite and the Adam Sawfox Band, speeches from union officials and children’s activities.

“As we celebrate Labor Day, let us not forget the importance of labor unions in the progress and prosperity of our workforce,” UPRLF President Tony Ghiringhelli said in an email. “Being part of a labor union means being part of a movement that stands for fairness, equality and the wellbeing of workers. It empowers individuals to have a voice in their workplace, fosters job security and leads to better wages and benefits.

“It is a choice that not only benefits the worker but also contributes to a stronger and more equitable society.”

Tickets are $6 per person for a pasty or two hot dogs and chips with dessert and a beverage. Adult beverages cost $3 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the picnic, but can be bought before the event by emailing Ghiringhelli at president@uprlf.org or Mariann Annala at secretary @uprlf.org.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.