2020 has been anything but normal. Navigating the pandemic has taught us, as humans, that we are incredibly resilient and can adapt. From transitioning to remote workforces, online learning, cancellation of celebrations and parties, and trying to be by the side of sick loved ones from afar, the adjustments have been large and small. And as we near another nationally recognized holiday, many are wondering what ways they can celebrate Labor Day in 2020. We put together a list of 10 quarantine-safe activities to pull you through the upcoming 3-day weekend:
- Thank an American Worker. Labor Day originated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, with the purpose to honor the American worker and create a day off for working citizens. This year we have recognized essential workers in so many ways, but on Labor Day you can show a little extra appreciation. Share a special thank you on your social media pages, buy coffee for local essential workers, or personally thank those who have never stopped and continue to endure these unchartered waters.
- Spend a day on the water. Memorial Day is often celebrated as the summer kickoff holiday, while Labor Day brings up the caboose as the last hoorah of the season. Before the crisp fall air hits many states across the nation, take advantage of the warmer temps, and spend a day on the water. Many state parks and lakes offer rentals for water-related activities such as boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more.
- Kick-off corn maze season. With the end of summer comes fall activities. Many farms begin to cut in corn mazes this time of year to prepare for family-fun and haunted good times. Check your local corn maze establishments to see if they are offering any fun activities this Labor Day weekend. Corn Mazes and More provides an updated list of corn mazes in northeastern PA.
- Drive-in movie theatre. Just like many things make a comeback, this year has been a great opportunity to enjoy one of America’s greatest pastimes: drive-in theatres. As the season winds down, the sun sets earlier, and the nights get crisper. What a better opportunity to pack up the car with some blankets and pillows and enjoy a socially distanced flick?
- Turn your back yard into a water park! With the risk of COVID, many amusement parks have been either shut down or operating at limited capacity. But you can have your very own back yard water park! Turn on the hoses, lay down some tarp, and buy some dish soap to close out the dog days of summer!
- BBQ, pandemic style. Many neighborhoods host holiday cookouts. But with the current events in the world, people have gotten creative. Organize a neighborhood BBQ, with socially distanced rules. Set up some lawn chairs, grill some hotdogs at your respective homes, and air cheers to the last long weekend of the season.
- Tackle a house project. If the pandemic has your original plans canceled, get done a project you’ve been putting off for the past few months. With the three-day weekend, you can finally complete those tasks that have been building on the honey-do list.
- Plan a Labor Day parade. With many town-wide events being canceled to limit large groups, now is the perfect time to rally up the neighborhood kids for a socially-distancing activity. Have the kids dress up in their favorite costume, bring out some playful instruments, and space them out in a safe manner to put on a show for the whole neighborhood!
- Enjoy the season closeout sales! Many retailers offer drastic savings on holiday weekends, and this year won’t be any different. Be sure to map out the best finds for this years’ Labor Day sales and fill up your virtual shopping cart with your favorites!
- Camp out – at home! With a record-breaking year for camper and tent sales, many people are stocked up to spend some valuable time in the wilderness this holiday weekend. No need to rent a space in a park or stress about vacancies, though; you can have your own backyard campsite! Grab all the goodies for a great weekend in the wild: bug spray, hot dogs, s’mores, sleeping bags, box washers, cornhole, and volleyball, and have yourself a great time.
Whatever you decide to do, remember to do it with caution but enjoy every moment. 2020 may have thrown curve balls since the end of the first quarter, but our society has learned how to make lemonade from lemons. From our team at Seltzer Group Partners, we say thank you to all the essential workers who have endured many days of labor since COVID began, and our thoughts are with those whose positions were eliminated due to the pandemic. We hope you can all enjoy a little R&R this Labor Day weekend.
