Virtual Salute to Everyday Working Heroes Replaces Labor Day Parade

Oktoberfest also Cancelled, Registration Opens Soon for Virtual and In-person Fall Programming

 

Gaithersburg, MD (August 10, 2020) Due to the ongoing public health crisis, the City of Gaithersburg announces the cancellation of both the Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade, scheduled for Monday, September 7, and Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sunday, October 11. With ongoing gathering and social distancing restrictions needed to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, these events cannot be held safely for participants, staff and vendors. Virtual celebrations will replace the in-person events.

 

A retrospective video celebrating the history of the Labor Day Parade will be available on the Gaithersburg Special Events Facebook page and on the City’s YouTube channel on September 7. This will be only the second time in 82 years that there has not been a Labor Day Parade in Gaithersburg. The other was in 1942, during World War II. The parade was started by the Gaithersburg Fire Department in 1938 as a fundraiser for its rescue squad. A citizen committee took over organizing duties in 1977, and today the event is coordinated by the City of Gaithersburg with continued support from the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Department.

 

To pay tribute to the accomplishments and contributions of American workers, the City’s Labor Day celebration will also include a “Salute to Everyday Working Heroes.” Youth participating in the City’s FunZone summer camps have been busy recording videos to thank those whose work during the pandemic has kept us all going, including health care workers, grocery store clerks, trash and recycling collectors, postal workers, and more. Look for their endearing messages throughout Labor Day weekend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and comment with examples of your own Everyday Working Heroes using #GburgHeroes. And because even heroes get hungry, a special “Let’s Cook@Casey” recipe video will be available on the Casey Community Center Facebook page during Labor Day Weekend as well.

 

While plans are still being developed for virtual activities to celebrate the fall season as a replacement for the ever-popular Oktoberfest, the City is conducting both in-person and virtual recreation classes and activities for adults and youth. Registration for City residents begins on August 17, with open registration starting on August 19. Offerings include indoor and outdoor fitness classes, art and music classes, personal development classes, and more. Modified fall sports programs are also taking place for adults and youth, and live streaming programs from the Arts Barn are being considered. Explore the offerings here. Note that all programs are subject to change based on health and safety considerations.

 

The City of Gaithersburg is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening plan. Updates are made on the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov and on Facebook and Twitter @GburgMD.