As a nation, we celebrate Labor Day as a way of honoring & commemorating the various American labor associations that fought for and then sought a peaceful way to protest businesses to install fairer and safer working conditions for American laborers. Of course, this is definitely a day in history worth commemorating and paying homage to, but for many of us, the beginning of September also brings with it a bittersweet date marking multiple beginnings and endings. 

Labor Day Weekend is the last long weekend of Summer. It is the last day of our Minnesota State Fair, the last weekend to pack and send kids off to college, and oftentimes the last day of Summer vacation for kids before beginning the new school year.

I am a true Minnesotan. I like to taste, experience, and celebrate all of its seasons, but I love the Summers by the lake the best. So, when August is ending and the "so long"  to Summer begins, I find myself holding on tight. I tend to put blinders on to stretch Summer out as long as possible. I swim off of our neighborhood dock till the Mahtomedi city crew take it out (Octoberish), and try to dine alfresco till my husband won't. 

Two Great Labor Day celebration ideas:   This is it- so savor these late-last Summer smells, sights, sounds, and flavors & above all, enjoy!

1. My Labor Day Picnic :)

Pack up a picnic full of goodies made with fresh picked veggies from the garden or farmers market, and head to the beach. 

 A big jar full of sliced Colorado peaches & some homemade shortcakes.

A great big picnic pasta salad full of ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped spinach, walnuts, basil lemony herb, Bellavitano cheese, fresh Mozzarella, and or course, Salad Girl Organic Dressing (see recipe below - it will last all day in a cooler).

 A canister filled with lemonade or limeade and fresh mint.

 2. If you are entertaining at home, here is a beautiful salad for a crowd and a great way to make good use of fresh cukes from the garden. Paired with a lovely honeydew melon and some creamy French feta. Enjoy!