This year’s festivities included a “Tribute to Congressman Louis Stokes” who organized the Labor Day celebration 40 years ago.

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge served as the Grand Marshall as the 11th District Labor Day Parade and Festival that celebrated 40 years of community and political empowerment.

Since 1971, the Labor Day Parade and Festival concludes the summer in style as families, seniors, young people, politicians, performers and members of community organizations join together for a day of fun.

The festival features food, vendors, line dancing, games, and entertainment, representing some of the best of what the district has to offer.

Joining Congresswoman Fudge as Grand Marshall was Councilman Terrell H. Pruitt, Ward 1. Pruitt, a captain in the Ohio National Guard, will be headed to Afghanistan with his unit soon.

This year’s festivities included a “Tribute to Congressman Louis Stokes” who organized the Labor Day celebration 40 years ago.

A thousand balloon release honoring the “Eleven Angels of Imperial Avenue” was another highlight of the day. In addition, speakers from We Are Ohio informed citizens about SB5 and SB194.

There were special areas for both kids and seniors with the Kids’ Village offering face painting and crafts and Senior Town giving older folks a place to sit, relax and enjoy the food and entertainment away from the jostling crowd.