Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and I wanted to let you know that
it still remains the most glorious weekend of the year in our small
village of Youngstown, Niagara Co.  Am I talking about the history of
New York?  You betcha!

For about the past 75 years the Volunteer Fire Company of our village
has had their Field Day on Labor Day.  And, frankly, I don't know if it
has changed all that much over the years.  Hey, Jim Corsaro!  When you
lived in Niagara Falls, did you ever go to Field Day in Youngstown on
Labor Day?  Well, I grew up in Niagara Falls also, and I don't remember
our family ever missing a one.

What does it have to do with history?  Well, I guess you might call it a
continuing "living history"--what was done over 75 years ago hasn't
changed all that much.  By this coming Sunday, all of the carnival-type
rides and games of chance will have been put into place and then at noon
on Monday, Labor Day, is when it all begins.  That's when the parade
starts.

Oh, the magnificant Labor Day Parade down Main Street in Youngstown!!
It seems that there is mile after mile of fire trucks from every small
town, village and city in the entire Niagara County.  It often makes me
wonder what would happen if a fire broke out at noon on Labor Day--who
is left who is tending the store? :-D  Of course, the fire trucks don't
just drive slowly by in the parade, the ears are deafened by their
sirens and honking of horns.

And if you like sounds, how about the many "kilty" bands--the Highlander
bands in kilts from Buffalo, Canada and heaven knows where else.  If you
like bagpipes, you'd LOVE Labor Day!  And there's always a high school
band or two that will bring a tear to your eye (if you're as emotional
as I) with their rendition of a Souza march.

And a small town parade wouldn't be complete without the local
politicians going through the crowd lined up along Main Street, shaking
hands with anyone and everyone, hoping someone will remember them on
election day!  And what would a parade be without the little baton
twirlers!  Or the 40 & 8, or the homemade floats!

And we always thrill at the reenactment group from local Fort Niagara in
their 18th century uniforms and muskets.  And we always laugh at the
occasional clown on a tricycle!

What do we do after the parade ends?  Well, what do you think?  We all
gather at the park where the amusement rides are set up and line up for
our annual bowl of chicken chowder.  And (ahem!), there is also a
never-ending line at the beer tent!  As I say, things haven't really
change in all these many, many years.

And so, as our many posters remind everyone around here, "Save Labor Day
for Youngstown!"  And for those of you who are interested in history,
step back in time to an event that has always been put on for the local
population, without one thought for the tourists! :-D

vee housman