I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend that included a family picnic, a stop at the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Festival in Prairie du Sac, a ride across Lake Wisconsin on the Merrimac Ferry to get ice cream, a stop at a local winery, lots of good grilled food, a noon sing along inside the capitol, and a stop at Madison's Laborfest at the Madison Labor Temple.
Photos from the Laborfest below. If you just can't get enough images of Labor Day, check out noise of rain's Milwaukee Laborfest photo diary, too.
First, a quick update on the Wausau Labor Day parade, where Republican union-busters were banned, then allowed when the city of Wausau put the squeeze on the Marathon County Labor Council. Sounds like the Republicans surrounded themselves with human tomato shields. From WSAW:
Republican State Senator Pam Galloway and Congressman San Duffy showed up. They marched with a large group of supporters, and heard some cheers as the walked the route, but a decidedly democratic crowd lined the Wausau Labor Temple at the end of the route.
As Duffy's people passed, many turned their back and faced the other way. They also chanted "recall Walker" until he turned the corner....
Besides chants, union supporters raised posters along the route. Those included slogans like "unions help all workers" and "walker your pink slip is coming." When republican candidates came by they held up signs saying "shame."
Democrats received a more warm response.
Ha Ha!
Now, the photos from Madison...
Welcome, welcome, everyone...who appreciates Labor.
Large, record-breaking crowds. Hmmm. Did something happen to spark enthusiasm this year?
John "Sly" Sylvester (in black) from WTDY radio broadcast live from the festival. Sly's morning show has been the major local source of labor action news in Madison throughout the protests and recalls. If you ever need a fix of Wisconsin labor news, check out the podcasts on Slysoffice.com.
Sly interviews Dane County Sheriff Dave "my deputies will not act as palace guards" Mahoney.
John Nichols, a regular guest on Sly's show, makes an appearance.
Labor movement legend Ed Garvey.
Ed Garvey organizes "Fighting Bob Fest" every year. If you're not doing anything on September 17th....
I didn't feel any rain. Maybe she needed the parasol to shade her from the sun.
Lots of memorabilia and other union-made political paraphernalia, including shirts...
..and buttons.
Some buttons sold better then others.
Naturally there was food...
And music.
Now where did I park my car?
Nope, that's not it.
Darn. I wish this were my car. Where the hell did I park? Oh, that's right. Near the Labor Temple sign...
I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day. If you had to work today, thank you. Solidarity from Wisconsin.