Mon 9/1

The 11th Congressional Community Caucus Labor Day Parade is one of the biggest events on the local holiday calendar. Founded 53 years ago by Congressman Louis Stokes, it’s been carried on by his successors. Currently, that’s Congresswoman Shontel Brown who presided over the lengthy parade from the viewing stand outside Luke Easter Park, greeting each delegation with “We see you!” Labor unions were represented, of course, as well as candidates vying for presence (municipal judge candidate in Son J. Loving appeared to be the winner for the largest delegation), or shaking hands with the crowds lining Kinsman Avenue. Among the politicians out on the street were Democratic candidate for governor Amy Acton, Democratic Senate candidate and former senator Sherrod Brown, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and City Council President Blaine Griffith. Everyone was passing out candy—you could’ve gotten a contact sugar high just by watching.

Between candidates there were high school bands, firefighters, cheer groups, masons, drill teams, city agencies, nonprofits and, conspicuously, delegations from the Divine Nine Black sororities and fraternities, most of whom stopped in front of the viewing stand to show off their dance moves.

They were also very much in evidence as the action moved into the park, with a row of tents where they hung out and socialized, while the Warrensville Heights and Maple Heights bands staked out a space in the middle of the park for one of the highlights of this annual event; the high school band face-off. Food trucks, a bounce house and tents from local agencies and organizations provided plenty to keep celebrants occupied.

View the PHOTOSTREAM here.

PHOTOSTREAM: Labor Day Parade by Anastasia Pantsios

Mon 9/1

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