From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Apopka residents voted to incorporate their community on September 2, 1882, just three days before workers held America’s first Labor Day celebration in New York City. Today, residents can continue the holiday’s original tradition of recreation with swimming, paddling, picnics, and other activities throughout Apopka and Orange County. Free admission at Leu Gardens, Magical Dining, and Labor Day restaurant promotions provide additional options.
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Labor Day has become synonymous with backyard cookouts, trips to the springs, sales, and an unofficial farewell to summer.
But in Apopka, the holiday has an interesting historical connection that goes back almost to the city's beginning.
In fact, Labor Day and incorporated Apopka were born during the same week 144 years ago.
On September 2, 1882, local electors voted to incorporate the community as the Town of Apopka City. The action was officially recorded with the Orange County Clerk of the Circuit Court on September 9.
Three days after that vote — on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 — thousands of workers took to the streets of New York City for what is recognized as America's first Labor Day celebration.
About 10,000 workers assembled for the country's first Labor Day parade, marching from City Hall through Manhattan before workers and their families gathered at Wendel's Elm Park for a picnic, concert and speeches, according to the Library of Congress.
The event was organized by New York's Central Labor Union during an era when America's rapidly industrializing economy was transforming both work and cities.
The idea behind the day was considerably more substantial than simply creating a day off.
Labor activists wanted a day recognizing the social and economic contributions of American workers. Historians still debate whether labor leader Peter J. McGuire or machinist Matthew Maguire deserves primary credit for proposing the holiday, but both were prominent figures in the labor movement.
The celebration itself established a pattern that remains recognizable today.
Organizers envisioned a parade demonstrating the strength and solidarity of American workers, followed by a festival providing recreation and amusement for workers and their families. After the 1882 parade, thousands gathered for an afternoon and evening of food, music, speeches and celebration.
Labor Day spread gradually from there.
Oregon became the first state to formally recognize Labor Day in 1887, followed that year by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. By 1894, the movement had spread across much of the country.
On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation establishing the first Monday in September as a federal holiday.
This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7 — just five days after Apopka marked its 144th birthday.
That makes today an appropriate time to celebrate both America's workers and a community whose incorporated history began at almost precisely the same moment.
And 144 years later, there are plenty of ways to spend Labor Day close to home.
Cool off at Kelly Park
Few Labor Day activities are more distinctly Apopka than floating down Rock Springs at Kelly Park, 400 E. Kelly Park Road.
The Orange County park features a free-flowing natural spring that stays around 68 degrees throughout the year. Visitors can swim, picnic or bring a tube or float for the spring run.
Summer hours are 8 am-8 pm, with the waterfront and nature trails closing an hour earlier. Vehicle admission is $3 for 1 or 2 people and $5 for 3 to 8 people.
One important consideration on Labor Day: get there early.
Kelly Park is one of Orange County's most popular warm-weather destinations and can reach capacity quickly on holidays and hot summer days. Once the park reaches capacity, it may not admit additional vehicles.
Spend Labor Day at Wekiwa Springs
Another distinctly Apopka option is Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle.
The park offers swimming in its natural spring, hiking, paddling, picnicking and opportunities to explore the Wekiva River ecosystem.
The park opens at 8 am and closes at sunset. Because Labor Day can bring large crowds, visitors should check current admission and reservation requirements before leaving home.
For Apopka residents looking for an inexpensive holiday outing without driving to the beach or theme parks, Wekiwa Springs offers one almost in their backyard.
Paddle through Rock Springs Run
For those who would rather paddle than swim, the Rock Springs Run area provides another way to spend Labor Day on the water.
King's Landing, near Kelly Park, provides access to Rock Springs Run and the Emerald Cut, where paddlers can travel through clear water surrounded by a canopy of natural Florida vegetation.
Private outfitters offer canoe, kayak, and guided clear-kayak excursions. Because Labor Day can be busy, visitors should check availability before heading out.
Celebrate Labor Day the 1882 way — with a picnic
Perhaps one of the easiest activities is also among the most historically appropriate.
After America's first Labor Day parade in 1882, workers and their families gathered for food, music, and recreation.
In other words, the Labor Day picnic is almost as old as Labor Day itself.
Apopka offers plenty of places to continue that tradition.
Kit Land Nelson Park provides a convenient downtown location, while the Northwest Recreation Complex offers considerably more open space. Families can also make a day of one of the area's other parks with lunch, games, and an afternoon outside.
City of Apopka offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day.
Turn Labor Day dinner into a Magical Dining dinner
Labor Day can also be an excuse to skip the backyard grill and go out for dinner.
Visit Orlando's Magical Dining continues through September 30, with more than 180 participating restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe dinners for either $40 or $60 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.
The annual promotion includes restaurants throughout Orange County and offers a chance to try some of the area's higher-end dining establishments at a fixed price.
A portion of the proceeds also benefits local charitable organizations.
Look for Labor Day restaurant deals
Several national restaurant chains are offering Labor Day promotions today, although participation can vary by location and some deals require an app, rewards membership or promotional code.
Among the advertised offers are a buy-one-get-one sandwich promotion for Jimmy John's rewards members, digital specials from Popeyes, discounted chicken nuggets through the Wendy's app, a family meal promotion from Long John Silver's and a buy-one-get-one dozen promotion from Krispy Kreme.
Customers should check the individual restaurant's website or app before heading out to confirm that the promotion is available at their preferred location.
Or stay home and fire up the grill
Of course, Labor Day doesn't require an itinerary.
The backyard cookout has become one of America's most familiar Labor Day traditions, and it also fits nicely with the holiday's original idea: a day of recreation for workers and their families.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, corn on the cob and something cold to drink may be all that's necessary.
A holiday nearly as old as Apopka
Labor Day has changed considerably since thousands of workers marched through Manhattan in September 1882.
So has Apopka.
The small Florida community whose residents voted to incorporate on September 2, 1882, has grown into a city of more than 60,000 residents. Yet the basic idea behind that first Labor Day celebration—setting aside a day for workers and their families to enjoy some recreation together—hasn't changed much.
Today, Apopka residents can float down Rock Springs, swim at Wekiwa Springs, paddle through the Wekiva basin, have a picnic, explore a botanical garden, take advantage of a restaurant deal or simply fire up the grill at home.
And there is a fitting bit of history behind doing it here.
Apopka and Labor Day have been growing up together since the first week of September 1882.
Key Points:
- Apopka’s incorporation vote and America’s first Labor Day celebration occurred just three days apart in September 1882.
- Kelly Park and Wekiwa Springs State Park offer two distinctly Apopka ways to cool off on Labor Day.
- Picnics have been part of Labor Day since the first celebration in 1882.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens is offering free admission on Labor Day.
- Magical Dining and several national restaurant promotions provide options for residents looking for Labor Day dining deals.
