Every year, labor unions throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington hold Labor Day picnics. The largest gathering by far takes place at Oaks Amusement Park in Southeast Portland. Sponsored by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, the picnic attracts members from multiple unions, who enjoy barbecue, music, games, carnival rides, raffle drawings, and time to visit with local politicians. The picnic runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Political speeches take place at 1 p.m.
Food and beverage scrip sells for 50 cents. Three scrip gets you a hamburger and chips; two scrip a hot dog and chips; four scrip for beer; two scrip for pop; and one scrip for water and chili. Deluxe ride bracelets are $9.50. The Oregon Pacific Railroad Shuttle Train will transport people to and from Oaks Park from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $5 per person round trip for adults. Children under 12 can ride for free. Street parking is available near the McLoughlin Overpass, McCoy Millwork, and the Portland Opera. The train boards at 4th and Caruthers. For more information about the picnic, call the Labor Council at 503-235-9444.
Following is a list of all the other Labor Day picnics in Oregon and Southwest Washington:
ASTORIA — Cullaby Lake — in the North Shelter off U.S. Highway 101 between Astoria and Seaside. Noon to 5 p.m. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Sponsored by the Clatsop-Tillamook Central Labor Council.
Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Counties — Toutle River RV Resort, 150 Happy Trails, Castle Rock, Wash., Exit 52 off I-5. Grilling hamburgers and hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your favorite picnic dish to share. There will be swimming, kids’ games and a great chance to socialize with union members.
Bend — Pioneer Park, NW Wall St. Picnic hours are noon to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Central Oregon Central Labor Council, there will be music, games and fun for the whole family.
Eugene/Springfield — John Lively Picnic Shelters, behind SPLASH at 6100 Thurston Road in Springfield. Noon – 4 p.m. Please bring a side dish. Sponsored by the Lane County Central Labor Council.
Medford — TouVelle State Park, 8425 Table Rock Road, Central Point. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lunch served from noon to 1 p.m. Labor music, games and fun for the whole family. There is a $5 charge for parking. Sponsored by the Southern Oregon Central Labor Council. For more information, call Kathy McUne at 541-664-0804.
North Bend/Coos Bay — Ferry Road Park in North Bend. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Music, games and fun for the whole family. Sponsored by the Southwestern Oregon Central Labor Council. The council is asking for a donation of non-perishable food items.
Salem — Waterfront Park. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, music, and guest speakers. There will be a bouncy house for the kids! Sponsored by Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Council. Cost: two non-perishable food items per person.
