Labor Day in Nebraska is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the weather, which finally starts to cool down from summer's sweltering Midwestern heat. If you'd like to do something a little more adventurous than a backyard barbecue or dip in the pool, you can watch a parade, visit a fair, whoop it up at a rodeo or take in any of the holiday events across the state.

State Fair

The Nebraska State Fair, held in Fonner Park on Grand Island, takes place each year, starting at the end of August and winding up on Labor Day. The fair offers agricultural displays and demonstrations, midway carnival rides and live entertainment including pop, rock, country and Christian music. The final day of the fair brings several special events. These include: the crowning of Miss Nebraska State Fair, a preliminary to the Miss Nebraska pageant; the Nebraska High School Rodeo; and a celebration of Nebraska's military veterans, complete with a parade. Admission to the fair is free on Labor Day for all service members and veterans.

Community Celebrations

The city of Schuyler throws a community-wide Labor Day celebration all weekend, with carnival rides, entertainment and festival foods provided by the Knights of Columbus. Labor Day itself kicks off with a 2-4 mile run/walk event. In the afternoon there's a parade, and then the event winds up with bingo and polka music at the Eagles Club. Omaha's SeptemberFest, held every Labor Day for over 35 years, features a 2-hour parade complete with floats, horses and marching bands. Other festival attractions include a car show, live music and motorcycle stunt riders.

Riding and Roping

The small town of Arcadia, about an hour northwest of Kearney and Grand Island, plays host to the Labor Day Arcadia Junior Rodeo during its annual Fall Festival. The rodeo, for kids up to age 18, features events such as sheep, calf and bull riding and barrel racing. Other festival events include a parade followed by a barbecue dinner and polka music at the Legion Club. Paxton, about 20 miles east of Ogallala, has its own Labor Day celebration with a parade and tractor pull. One of the main events is the annual Thunder in the Valley bull riding competition.

Other Activities

The city of Lexington sponsors several Labor Day activities. Its annual Antiques and Crafts Extravaganza takes place Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, at the Dawson County Fairgrounds; vendors come from surrounding states to sell their wares at this giant flea market, voted 2004 Nebraska Event of the Year. Lexington also hosts a Labor Day weekend tennis tournament at several locations throughout the city. Mac's Creek Winery and Vineyards in Lexington puts on a special Labor Day wine and cheese event. For several hours in the afternoon, either Sunday or Monday, visitors can sample local wines and nibble on artisan cheeses and sausages while learning about the best varietals to complement each food selection.

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