Black Diamond’s history is all about laborers — which is why the city goes all out on Labor Day.
The annual Labor Days event, hosted on the Black Diamond Elementary ball field, brings food trucks, field games, and more for all ages from September 2 to 4.
According to Black Diamond Labor Days Event Chair Debbie Page, the fun starts on Sept. 2 with a family-friendly showing of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” at Civic Field starting 8:30 p.m. Page said they’re giving out free water and popcorn for families, and the following days during the festivities they’re giving out free peanuts and ice cream.
The main events start Sunday, Sept. 3, with a Police K9 Demonstration, followed by Doggie Days. After that, at 10:30 a.m., there is a pie, jam, and jelly contest in which judges vote on which treats are the best. Then there is live music from the Ante Up band. Announcements and awards for the pie-eating contest follow.
After all that fun, Page said they announce the winners of the button drawing competition. This year, there are 1st, 2nd, and a tie for 3rd place winners, but only the 1st place winner’s pin is made and sold for $1. Page said adults must buy the $1 pin to participate in the field games, but kids play for free. The proceeds go towards manufacturing next year’s pin, Page said.
Following the announcements, Page said they have a new charity event, which is open to all, and donations are optional.
“This year on Sunday, we’re doing a full benefit concert for the Black Diamond skatepark, and we have brought in three regional punk bands to do good old-school punk music,” Page said. “This is a chance to raise a few more dollars for the new skatepark that we’ll start rebuilding next year, and then there’s field games. Fun games on Sunday. Including a watermelon eating contest.”
Page said the field games end off the Sunday festivities, which everyone enjoys. She said last year, the oldest participant was 78.
“We have more field games on Sunday. Think back to when you did last day of school field day. You have the three-legged race, the gunny sack race, and the egg toss,” Page said. “This is those fun, old-fashioned games that we don’t do enough of, and people truly can’t help themselves but participate when they see what’s going on.”
On Sept. 4, the day starts with a 7 a.m. breakfast at the Masonic Hall, followed by the annual Labor Day parade at 10 a.m. Page said the parade begins on Lawson St. at SR 169 and proceeds north to Park St. She said Black Diamond is one of the few places in the state that gets to close off a highway to conduct a parade. Following this, the festivities continue with live music, snacks, and field games.
For Page, her favorite part of Black Diamond Labor Days is continuing the tradition.
“I’m excited about the whole weekend. I just love seeing the community come together. I love seeing adults who have been here their whole lives come back, bring their children and grandchildren, and relive and share their experiences,” Page said. “As somebody who’s not from here, I love listening to all the stories about their grown perspective of what it was like to be a child participating in these things and then seeing the events through the eyes of their children and grandchildren, it’s pretty special.”
