Labor Day Parade and Fest 2024 in La Crosse

Labor Day is more than just a holiday, it represents a celebration of the victories of workers in their fight for fair wages, decent working conditions, and recognition on the job.

The Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO is pleased to announce the continuation of a 133-year tradition: the La Crosse Labor Day Parade and Festival will take place this year on Monday, September 2. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Gillette and Kane Streets on the north side of La Crosse.

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Labor Day in La Crosse kicks off with a family-friendly parade that spans 10-12 blocks. After the parade, the festivities move to the north end of Copeland Park, with free games for kids (a “fishpond” and piles of sawdust with coins hidden in them). Adults can partake in bingo games, meat, and other raffles. WWAFLCIO volunteers will have soda, beer, brats, hot dogs, and chips for purchase.

This year’s parade marshal is John D. Medinger, former La Crosse mayor, former 95th District Assembly in the Wisconsin State Legislature, and former member of the La Crosse County Board. Medinger also served as a political science lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and in the private sector, John worked as a gas station operator, bus driver, bartender, construction worker, and grocery store clerk.

While the origins of Labor Day in the U.S. are the subject of some debate, its generally accepted that the first Labor Day celebration in the U.S. took place in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882, when some 10,000 workers marched in a parade organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor. The first Labor Day parade in La Crosse was held in 1891.

One of the goals of the WWAFLCIO Labor Day event is to provide a family-friendly parade and festival experience for area residents while celebrating and honoring all working people in the Coulee region.

The Central Labor Council of Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO represents thousands of workers throughout the Coulee Region in diverse sectors. The Council is committed to economic, social, and racial justice and works tirelessly to create a fair and just future for all.