Photo courtesy of America In Solidarity
HIT THE SACKS. Children enjoy the sack races at the annual Labor Day picnic.
Many Americans have lost sight of the original meaning of the holidays they celebrate, be it Christmas, Cinco de Mayo or Memorial Day. Todd Iverson is intent on giving local residents a reason to remember what Labor Day is truly about.
Iverson, a longshoreman and member of political activist group America in Solidarity, is looking forward to the organization's third annual Tacoma/Pierce County Labor Day Picnic.
A highlight of the event is the union tug-of-war. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 76 is the two-time defending champion. "Hopefully they are going down this year," Iverson remarked, no doubt hoping for a victory for the longshore team. Unions representing painters and postal workers are expected to participate, he added. All unions are invited to field a team of eight people.
There will be sack races and other games for children, live music and free barbecue food. Iverson said last year they prepared enough food for 600 people and ran out before all the attendees could be fed. Organizers are planning to provide more food this year, he noted.
Admission to the event and the food are both free and open to anyone. "We want the public to come out for this," Iverson stated.
Other sponsors include International Longshore Warehouse Union local 23, Pierce County Central Labor Council and U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Tacoma).
As a union member, Iverson is aware of the historical significance of Labor Day, which has been celebrated since 1884 in honor of American workers and their essential contributions to American prosperity. "This used to be a day when America shut down. People celebrated with parades and picnics. Now it is just another three-day weekend."
Iverson discussed the early 1900s, in the era before shopping malls promoted Labor Day sales. There was always a huge Labor Day parade in Tacoma, he noted. "We are hoping to bring that back."
In 2005, America in Solidarity members looked around for Labor Day events. King County Central Labor Council holds an event, and it decided to do one in Tacoma. "There was no real event around here," Iverson recalled. "This is a traditional, blue-collar community. Tacoma just seemed to have a void."
Some politicians who have attended the King County picnic and this one have told Iverson they felt the Tacoma event was better. He hopes to build the event to equal Ethnic Fest in terms of popularity someday.
Organizers considered a parade this year that would end in Wright Park, but dropped it because of renovations underway in the park. Iverson said they may hold a parade next year.
"Bring your friends and dogs to Wapato Park. Everything is free," he emphasized.
