Charlotte Labor Day Parade and Carolina Fest

Takin' it to the Streets

The annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade will be held Monday, September 3rd at 10 am. The parade honors the accomplishments of organized labor in our country, our region, and in our community.

When: Monday, September 3 - assembly begins at 8:00 am; parade begins at 10:00 am
Route: Begins at Pearl Street Park, then down  Baxter Street to McDowell Street to Stonewall Street to South Caldwell Street to 3rd Street and ending at Marshal Park
Contact: Ben Lee, parade chairman at 704-877-6916  or  [email protected].

This year's parade comes before the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. For security reasons this year's route will be from Pearl Street Park to Marshall Park on the edge of uptown Charlotte. Also this year's parade will be a marching parade featuring local labor organizations, bands, political candidates, and community groups.

The theme for 2012 is "Takin' it to the Streets". Parade chairman Ben Lee, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, urged all to come on out for "an old-fashioned parade - union-made".

"Always remember those who fought, suffered, and died for our worker rights, the 40 hour week, the weekends, retirement, and healthcare. Please never take it for granted."

The Charlotte Labor Day Parade Committee along with local labor organizations and the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council are organizing the parade.

Connect with the Charlotte Labor Day Parade online at http://charlottelabordayparade.shutterfly.com and http://www.facebook.com/CLDPC.

Carolina Fest after the parade

After the parade, the Charlotte 2012 committee has organized a day-long street party, Carolina Fest, with exhibits, speeches, and best-of-all special musical performances by James Taylor, Jeff Bridges, and Janelle Monae. Visit http://charlottein2012.com/carolinafest2012/ for more info.