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According to CBS News Philadelphia, thousands of union workers and their families are gathering Monday morning in South Philadelphia for the 39th annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade and Family Festival.
The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO is hosting the event at Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19, located at Washington Avenue and Columbus Boulevard.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. It is free and open to the public.
Route and Day’s Schedule
A morning rally at the union hall precedes the march.
Participants then move down Washington Avenue toward Passyunk Avenue before returning to the hall for a family festival with rides, music and games, as reported by philadelphia.today.
The festival honors workers and organized labor across the tri-state region.
Officials Expected to Attend
Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis are expected to be on hand, along with U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle and Mary Gay Scanlon. Local labor leaders will also participate.
The combination of elected officials from Philadelphia’s congressional delegation and the governor’s office reflects the event’s regional reach.
Part of a Larger Labor Day Weekend
The parade is one of several public events running across the city through the holiday.
Also on Monday, Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts a Family Fun Day on the Delaware River waterfront, though the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, which has offered a free roller rink, Ferris wheel and boardwalk games through the summer, closes for the season once Labor Day ends.
Parks on Tap is set up at Penn Treaty Park through the weekend, with beers from area breweries including 2SP and Conshohocken Brewing Company.
The Cannstatter Labor Day Volksfest, held by a German-American club that has kept the tradition going since 1873, runs through Monday in Northeast Philadelphia. Tickets are sold at the gate.
Getting There
Parking near the South Philadelphia waterfront is limited this year due to ongoing I-95 CAP construction.
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is directing visitors to use walking, biking, rideshare or public transit instead.
The parade itself starts at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. Admission is free.