Labor Day Parade

NEWARK, OH – Labor Day may not hold the prominence of Memorial Day or the 4th of July but some places celebrate it with high regard.

Each year the Licking, Knox, Coshocton, Muskingum, Labor Council holds a parade in downtown Newark to celebrate its workers. Newark’s Labor Day Parade has been a fixture of the community since the 1950’s.

“We put it on each Labor Day and of course, Labor Day is the day of remembrance and recognition of the workers. Maybe not so much as a typical holiday, this one is dedicated to working families and working communities,” Labor Council Secretary and Parade Grand Marshall Steve Kullman said.

The Labor Council is represented by many of the area’s labor unions whose members may work in different industries but share in the common benefits negotiated by their trade’s union. 

“Our theme, as you can see on our float is, ‘Labor Votes’ and ‘It’s Better in a Union’. That was our theme last year, It’s Better in a Union. Better benefits, better pay, time off and workers are better taken care of. So, we support all workers but it’s better in a union,” Labor Council President Dave McElfresh said.

This year’s parade began at Walnut and 3rd Streets and marched north to the Union Hall on Hudson Avenue, where food was served to spectators and participants.