The end of summer is right around the corner – at least figuratively, if not in the meteorological sense. Labor Day has come to represent the end of summer. It marks the return of school children to school, the end of those lazy days spent on the lake, or at the beach, and the end of those leisurely camping trips and backyard barbecues. Schaaf Floral’s flower design team is always eager to help people find the perfect flower arrangements to dress up their homes or entertaining venues for any holiday or special occasion. Labor Day is no exception.

Although we think of Labor Day in terms of final summer parties, socializing, and taking those last summer trips with the family, the origin of this national holiday is rooted in the struggles of the late 19^th century labor movement.

According to the United States Department of Labor, Labor Day, which is celebrated on the first Monday of September, was created by the labor movement as a dedication to the social and economic accomplishments of American workers. They were and are, after all, the driving force behind our economy. Their efforts contribute greatly to the strength and prosperity of the country and its wellbeing.

The efforts to establish an official Labor Day observance began at the municipal level where ordinances were passed in different locations in 1885 and 1886. New York became the first state to introduce a bill that would designate the first Monday of September as the state’s official Labor Day holiday.

Although New York was the first state to introduce a bill, Oregon ultimately became the first state to pass a law making the first Monday of September every year, a legal state holiday. Oregon’s legislation passed on February 21, 1887.

In 1894, Grover Cleveland signed a bill and made a declaration proclaiming that the first Monday of every September would be observed as a federal holiday. He did so in response to his failed attempts to end the railroad workers strike.

Since 21^st century Labor Day celebrations revolve around rituals associated with the end of summer, your floral decorations should embody the essence of summer, as a kind of farewell tribute. You never know when the weather will change in unpredictable Minneapolis. We think our Vivid Blooms arrangement embraces everything we love about a summer flower garden in all its glory. We fill a clear glass cube vase with Gerbera daisies, sunflowers, roses, hypericum berries, and assorted other filler flowers.