Residents excited to spend time with family, friends during Labor Day weekend
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ALPENA -- Labor Day was established as a federal holiday in 1894 to honor and recognize the American Labor Movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.
This weekend, many people will enjoy an extended break away from work with friends, family, or taking a late summer vacation to put a cap on summer.
In Northeast Michigan there are a handful of events for people to enjoy, headlined by the 21st Aliferis Memorial Race in Alpena, and the popular Harmony Festival in Harrisville,
Many people, though, will take advantage of the extra day off to host family gatherings or camp at a local campground.
Tim Klein, of Hubbard Lake said he will be camping out of town and celebrating the holiday weekend in Mackinaw City. He said his family participates in the Mackinac Bridge Walk, which he says is a tradition.
"Our kids and grandkids come up and we camp Thursday to Tuesday and walk the bridge on Labor Day like we have for many years," Klein said. "It is sort of our last hurrah for the summer."
Trinity Chaisson was grocery shopping at Meijer in Alpena on Tuesday, picking up items her family will need for her camping trip this weekend. She said her weekend will be shorter than others because she has to work on Labor Day.
Chaisson said that won't prevent her from enjoying her time with her family on Saturday and Sunday.
"I'm looking forward to it," she said. "We'll eat good and sit around the fire and it will feel good just to relax. Hopefully it doesn't rain. Summer is running out, so we need to take advantage of what's left of it."
Despite high gas prices, AAA expects travel numbers this weekend will hit pre-COVID levels, as they did for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
In a press release, AAA said peak travel volume is anticipated to hit Friday afternoon as commuters and travelers hit the road at the same time. High travel volumes are also expected late Monday afternoon as people return from weekend trips.
It is also expected, AAA says, that many people will travel, but many will choose to stay within 50 miles or less from home because of escalated gas prices.
Bradley Burzynski, of Alpena, said his family will enjoy a brief staycation at home because of the price of gas and increased prices on other things.
"We can find something to do in Alpena," he said. "Maybe my parents will come over and we can have a cookout. We really can't afford to go anywhere, so we'll just enjoy my three days off."
Weatherwise, people should enjoy moderate temperatures in Northeast Michigan.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of showers before 2 p.m. on Saturday before the sun pops out and temperatures climb to near 75 degrees. Temperatures fall into the mid-50s overnight and will reach about 73 degrees on Sunday.
Highs Monday will be near 80 degrees.
"There is a chance of rain and possibly a thunderstorm that lingers over from Friday night into Saturday morning, but after that it looks pretty quiet for the rest of the holiday weekend," National Weather Service Meteorologist Faith Fredrickson said. "The temperatures will be seasonable, maybe even a little cooler than average, but overall it looks like the weather is going to cooperate this weekend."