Los Angeles Free Friday – Labor Day Edition

It’s hard to believe, but Labor Day is upon us. The summer is over, but here in Los Angeles, the summer is never really over, at least as far the weather is concerned.

Upon second thought, we’re always celebrating here in SoCal!

Indeed, the first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. After a violent and fatal end to the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland wanted to make peace with Labor. As a result, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.

So even though Labor Day isn’t celebrated as it was originally intended, to help you enjoy this last unofficial Summer 2010 weekend, here’s some highlights of the free events taking place around the Los Angeles County area:

When an entire four city street area is blocked off on Orange California, music food, and a craft fair take over. With a total of nine multi-cultural stages, the Orange International Street Fair, will take place starting Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4^rd, from 5:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday, September 4^th concluding on Sunday, September 5^th from 10:00am-10:00pm. It combines the best of all worlds–fun, shopping and live music. Plus, who can resist the family friendly atmosphere. If you’d like a preview of the area, Travelin’ Local already visited Plaza Square, at the corner of Chapman and Glassell previously. In case you didn’t know, every dime of the profits from the Street Fair goes directly into non-profit charities that help people in the Orange community.  More than fifty organizations dedicated to serving people in Orange and surrounding communities rely on the Orange International Street Fair as one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.

Celebrating its 37^th year, Fiesta Hermosa is a three-day arts and crafts festival replete with 270 vendors. Live music will be featured on two stages, one at the Main Stage on the Pier, and another in the Charity Beer & Wine Garden, which will feature microbrews from the Union Cattle Company, a local brewery and steak-house located in Hermosa Beach, as well as in Pasadena. The Kiddie Carnival features a 30 foot slide, mechanical rides, rock climbing wall and a bungee jump, and games for kids from 3 to 10 years old. Pony rides, a Petting Zoo, and face painters are sure to delight the little ones. Just head on over to Hermosa Beach on Saturday, September 4^th – Monday, September 6^th from 10:00am-6:00pm, and you’re good to go.

To be a part of history and celebrate Los Angeles’ 229^th birthday on Saturday, September 4^th at 6:00am, is the time and date of the "Los Pobladores – Walk to Los Angeles," an annual 9 mile re-enactment of the 1781 trek of the original settlers of Los Angeles from the San Gabriel Mission, 428 Mission Ave., San Gabriel, which was established on September 8, 1771 to the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument at Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles. If you’re not into 9 miles, walkers can also join the parade at Lincoln Park, 3401 Valley Blvd., for a shorter 3-mile walk. At Olvera Street, live music, food and artists booths will all be open for everyone’s enjoyment. Festivities at Olvera Street run from 9:00am until 3:00pm

On Saturday, September 4^th – Monday, September 6^th from 10:00am to 6:00pm, historic Leimert Park Village’s, 43rd Street & Degnan Blvd., is hosting the 2^nd Annual African Art & Music Festival. This year’s theme, "Community Counts" plays a central part in all of the planned activities. Featuring Jazz Vocalist Randy Crawford, Jazz Great Azar Lawrence, Hip Hop Sensation Medusa, and Reggae Super Star Wadada, there’s no shortage of bands, artists and music to celebrate with in this year’s celebration. New this year will be a live auction, but it won’t be one of those expensive, stuffy or boring events. Everyone will be able to participate with bidding starting at $1.00. Music and art are only part of the fun. The Festival also includes a fashion show, activities for kids, a juried arts and crafts show, and an international food court.

Don’t forget Monday is a Target sponsored free holiday at theLos Angeles County Museum of Art, from 12:00 to 8:00pm. Although tickets are required, all of the exhibits will be open, along with a live performance of Mexican music. What a great way for visitors of all ages to see Fallen Fruit Presents EAT LACMA or John Baldessari: Pure Beauty, which ends on September 12^th.