Almost every year since it was proposed in 1980, Hamtramck, Mich. has thrown a Labor Day Festival. This year marks the return of the festival after a one-year hiatus to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world reemerges from the pandemic, the residents of Hamtramck are ready to welcome back their friends and families with community wide events like the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. The three-day festival kicks-off on Saturday, September 4 as they welcome back the music, the yacht races, and carnival rides just to name a few. The event is put on by sponsors including Sterling Services who continues to support the local community. They have been a sponsor for this event for many years as they always look forward to this weekend, especially the yacht races.
“The Labor Day Festival is a wonderful tradition in Hamtramck that is one of the few events that brings everything together regardless of ethnicity or background. We are honored to continue to sponsor this event year after year and help provide a weekend of joy in our community especially during the pandemic that has caused so much hardship.” Jason Eddleston, VP of Operations at Sterling, said. “I also highly recommend that everyone attend the Hamtramck Canoe Races which are truly unique and bring a smile to everyone’s faces in attendance!”
The festival began during a tumultuous time for Hamtramck and their residents. The largest car factory had just closed in the city, leaving an empty feeling in the souls of those left to pick up the pieces. Thankfully, then-mayor Robert Kozaren and some strong-willed residents banded together to create a festival for the community.
The first festival followed on a cold Autumn day in late September, 1980 yet it was a grand success with over 100,000 visitors to their first three-day weekend festival. The following year, the festival was moved to Labor Day weekend to address the weather concerns from the prior year. Ever since, the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival has warmed the hearts and moods of Hamtramck Residents.
And now, 41 years later, the festival will once again brighten the spirits of the residents as they can return to one of the more special weekends in Hamtramck.
Artwork for story picture was done by Sean Bieri.
