Mon 9/2 @ 10AM
Since 1971, when it was started by the late Congressman Louis B. Stokes, the annual Labor Day parade and rally has been a big deal in the east side’s 11th Congressional District (formerly the 21st). The tradition was carried on by his successor Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and now by her successor Marcia Fudge. It attracts thousands to the parade route along Kinsman and the after-parade festivities in Luke Easter Park.
The huge parade wends its way down Kinsman Avenue from E. 146th, with delegation after delegation representing businesses, nonprofits, city and county agencies, candidates, office holders, fraternal groups, labor unions, marching bands and drill teams. Look for judicial candidates vying to have the most people marching for them! They all file by the reviewing standing at Luke Easter Park, where Fudge and other local dignitaries hold court.
After the parade is all in, it’s time to head into the park where there are vendors, food trucks, live music and DJs, a senior section, activities for kids where they can run off the sugar high from all the candy they’ve collected, and the always exciting and competitive high school Battle of the Bands, featuring bands from John Marshall, Shaw and Warrensville Heights high schools, and the All City Drumline.
It’s free and open to all whether you live in the 11th district or not.