Northwest Oregon Labor Council’s Labor Day picnic will return to Oaks Amusement Park for the first time in six years, and all signs are that it’s going to be quite an event.
This year, unlike in the past, the entire 44-acre amusement park is reserved exclusively for union families and invited guests of labor.
Attendance will be limited to 5,500, including 3,500 ride bracelets and 2,000 non-ride attendance bracelets. Bracelets will be distributed by sponsoring unions to their members. Unions affiliated with NOLC will get the first opportunity to sponsor and get the bracelets. After July 15, if there are bracelets remaining, other unions that have expressed interest will get a chance to sponsor.
Organizers hope that the attendance limits will result in shorter lines for rides than in previous years.
To solve the problem of limited on-site parking, the council is once again chartering a 200-seat train that will transport attendees at no charge from a designated parking lot at OMSI, leaving every hour on the half hour from OMSI and departing every hour on the hour from Oaks Park for the return. Some sponsoring unions are also considering bringing members on buses.
Besides bumper cars, a roller-coaster and the other amusement park rides the park is known for, the Labor Day picnic will include a union-made craft fair, live music from the country-rock style Dan Kaufman Band, exhibitor booths from union-allied organizations, and a political program from 1 to 2 p.m. featuring pro-union public officials and candidates.
Meals will be provided by McKillip’s Catering. Available for pre-purchase by unions and individuals at $20 per person, the offerings include barbecue chicken, side dishes, nonalcoholic beverages, and dessert, with gluten-free and vegan options also available. Food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) will also be available for purchase on the day itself from Oaks Park’s cafeterias and food carts.
