What is Labor Day, you ask? Labor Day is a public holiday to celebrate workers and honor everything that they do for society. It was first celebrated in September 1882, and the first Labor Day parade was held in September 1884. Labor Day became a holiday after workers went on strike to protest wage cuts, and later the American Railroad Union joined the protest. A few days later, a violent riot broke out, so President Grover Cleveland wanted to repair ties with American workers, and Congress passed an act making Labor Day an official holiday. We still celebrate Labor Day because we want to honor the achievements of American workers.
Labor Day is on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 and this weekend is a very long weekend for Fauquier County Schools. The school system has four days off from school starting Friday through Monday. Students and staff have a variety of plans for how they will spend the extra time. For some, the long weekend will be a chance to relax. Mrs. DeRenzis, Library Assistant, says, “I have a boring weekend, but I am going to catch up on some reading and sleep.”
Others are using the break as an opportunity to travel and visit family. A freshman says, “I am going to New York to see my older brother.” One sophomore is also traveling out of state for the weekend. He specifically said, “I am going to Lake Erie in Ohio for the long Labor Day weekend.”
For some students, the weekend will be spent outdoors. A junior says, “Over the weekend I am going camping and hiking at Sky Meadows State Park.” Another student has plans to travel even farther. A senior at Kettle Run is going to Spokane, Washington, to visit family and celebrate her cousin’s birthday. Kettle Run staff members are also taking advantage of the four-day weekend to get away. Mrs. Warren says, “I’m going to North Carolina with my friend and we are going to swim and go to the lake.”
Whether spending the weekend traveling, relaxing, visiting family, or enjoying the outdoors, Kettle Run students and staff are making the most of the four-day break. Labor Day gives everyone a chance to enjoy some time off while also remembering the workers the holiday was created to honor
