Labor Day parade hangs on, but barely

Cloquet is still the place to celebrate Labor Day in Carlton County, but the longstanding celebration is on life support. In his third year of organizing the Carlton County Labor Day celebration, Chad Tuura said a dearth of volunteers and donations mean the parade is the sole event this year — there is no banquet on Sunday and nothing at Veterans Park. On the other hand, there are car shows.

Tuura, who got involved as the IronWorkers Local 512 representative on the Cloquet Central Labor Body, said he was hoping to bow out of organizing after last year, because he works all over the country, spending weeks at a time in places like California and North Dakota. But there was no one else to take over.

Attracting thousands to downtown Cloquet each year, the parade will continue, marching down Cloquet Avenue at 11 a.m., Monday, with food trucks in the city parking lot at the corner of Cloquet Avenue and 11th Street until 4 p.m.

Also Monday, the Northeastern Hotel, Saloon and Grille will host its Labor Day car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuura said he’s hoping others will get on board now to help organize next year’s event. He hopes to apply any extra funds from this year toward more activities in 2024.

“This is not going to die on my watch. I’ve got too much pride in Cloquet,” he said. “Is it worse to have my name next to something that’s not as good as it used to be, or next to something that died under my supervision?”

Want to donate or help out on Monday? Call Tuura at 218-590-0238 or email [email protected]. Parade lineup is on Avenue B starting at 10 a.m. A minimum donation of $25 for parade entry will help keep this annual event going. Volunteer time will help even more.

Rad Rod weekend

Head to TJ’s Country Corner in Mahtowa this weekend for the Rat Rod Rendezvous.

“Shine on Saturday” features classics, street rods, bikes and more, while Rusty Sunday is Rat Rod (and Rat Bike) territory. Shows 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. each day with more fun to follow

Holiday hours

All City of Cloquet and Carlton County offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 for Labor Day.