Our Guide for Labor Day Weekend
Compiled by Northwoods News Staff
Over 200 million Americans plan on grilling this weekend to celebrate Labor Day. According to a Budweiser study, 150 million Americans will eat hamburgers, while 109 million will munch on hot dogs. And nearly 100 million Americans will enjoy a frosty domestic beer. (Only 49 million will enjoy an imported beer.)
Need help finding a place to get your Labor Day grilling supplies? Check out our listing of local butcher shops from our Memorial Day Weekend Guide.
The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. By 1894, 23 additional states had officially adopted the holiday, and in June of that year, it became a national holiday.
The first proposal for the holiday recommended that it be celebrated by a street parade that showcased “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” In the years that have followed, Labor Day parades and special events have become a family favorite across the country, and the Northwoods are no exception!
Here are some suggestions for local events to help you celebrate the weekend.
Crandon Rocks Labor Day Weekend
September 2 through September 5, 2021
Crandon International Raceway and Downtown Crandon
The Forest County Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the Crandon Rocks Labor Weekend events with free entertainment Thursday night, September 2nd. Local favorite, Train Wreck, is performing from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the heart of Downtown Crandon on East Madison, off Main Street.
Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, family and friends, and meet at the Courthouse Square.
The Chamber is also sponsoring free shuttle services by Double J Shuttle to and from the Track available Thursday through Saturday between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm.
The annual Lucas Oil Labor Day Parade at Noon. The Parade will also be livestreamed on the Track’s Facebook page.
The annual Polaris Crandon World Championship Off-Road Races® is a Labor Day weekend tradition, a Midwest sports icon now 52 years young, that proudly includes the “Super Bowl of Short Course” – the Crandon World Cup. For years, over 55,000 enthusiastic fans have sold out Camp Crandon and the one-day parking lots for a holiday celebration of racing and great food that make up the famed “Crandon Experience”.
September 4, 2021
Conover – Lake Pleasant
5:00 pm
Enjoy the special Labor Day weekend show. Watch skilled water skiers perform awesome tricks, jumps, flips, and other amazing stunts.
Minocqua Kawagesaga Lakes Protection Annual Pig Roast
September 4, 2021
Minocqua – Downtown
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join the Minocqua/Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association for their annual pig roast fundraiser with great food, live music, lake fair, a silent auction and a bike raffle. The mission of the Minocqua/Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association is to protect the Minocqua/Kawaguesaga lakes and their surroundings by enhancing water quality, fishery, and the aesthetic value of our lakes as public recreational facilities for today and future generations.
Lambo-Rama Open House: Rides, Refreshments and Raffle
September 4, 2021
Minocqua – Zip Mountain Biking Trail
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Come visit to learn more about LAMBO, our local bike trails, group rides and events. Bring your bike and join a volunteer-led ride to get to know all the Zip trail system offers. Be sure to try out the newest trails just opened this Spring. Check out the pump track and meet volunteers. Learn about clinics, trail projects, snowshoe trails and winter fat-biking. Enjoy music, refreshments, LAMBO merchandise and a raffle.
September 4, 2021
Three Lakes – Three Lakes Historical Society
4:00 to 8:00 pm
Come join the 5th year of the Wine and History event held at the Three Lakes Museum. During the Museum After Hours series at the museum grounds, various wines are paired with the exhibits around the museum buildings. Learn and explore the history of Three Lakes while sipping some of Three Lakes finest wines.
Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show
September 5, 2021
Eagle River – Downtown
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Take in a late summer arts and crafts show in Downtown Eagle River featuring many area crafters as well as artists from the Northwoods and beyond. Also, enjoy downtown businesses placing sale products for sale on tables outside of their stores.
September 5, 2021
Eagle River – Riverview Park
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Enjoy music, dancing, raffles, a variety of locally made sausages and October Fest Style Beers. Also, enjoy lots of children’s activities provided by the Northwoods Children’s Museum. This is an Eagle River Lions Club event.
Sno-Skeeter Summer Fest/Duck Race
September 5, 2021
Manitowish Waters – Koller Park
1:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Raffles, kids’ games, live music, food, duck race and lots of fun!
No Frills Marathon™, Half Marathon and Relay
September 5, 2021
Minocqua – Registration and Packet Pickup at the American Legion
7:00 am
The Minocqua No Frills Marathon™ & Half- Marathon keeps it simple and affordable because, at this marathon, it’s all about the race. The race accommodates those who aspire to run their first marathon, as well as veteran runners trying to better their times or qualify for the Boston Marathon (certification #WI12035DM).
ON PACE RACE will again be on the course to set the pace for your skill and ability level. Look for their banner at the start of the Marathon and Half Marathon. Registration is required.
Stillwaters Star Lake Mayors Race
September 5, 2021
Star Lake – Stillwaters
3:00 to 7:00 pm
All are invited to the Annual Stillwaters Star Lake Mayors Race. For more event details, contact Stillwaters at 715-542-3652.
Merrill Lion’s Club Labor Day Car Show
September 6, 2021
Merrill – Merrill Festival Grounds
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Huge parade starting on the west side and working its way downtown starting at 10:00 am. Events at the fairgrounds begin at noon and include a classic car show with over 200 cars to look at, a flea market, entertainment for the kids and concessions. The Car Show starts at 8:00 am. Registration available onsite. Stop down at the Merrill Festival Grounds to see the oldies but goodies. See what people have done to keep these vehicles running. Get your votes in before 12:30 pm.
Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Meat Raffle
September 6, 2021
Sayner – Weber’s Bar
2:00 to 5:00 pm
All are welcome to join the Sayner-Star Lake Barnstormers Snowmobile Club at their Annual Meat Raffle. Contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952 for more information.