Labor Day parade coming: Cloquet's annual salute to labor

Once again, Cloquet will celebrate Labor Day with a parade. It's a tradition that's continued more than 105 years here, starting in 1917.

The holiday was created in the late 19th century to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being, according to the Labor Department.

"It's a staple in our community," said Labor Day celebration president Chad Tuura. "Labor unions are still strong in this area. We're part of this community."

Monday's parade begins at 11 a.m. and will travel down Cloquet Avenue from 18th Street to Eighth Street. Expect lots of candy and plenty of politicians in the only local Labor Day parade.

This year's Grand Marshal is Sherman "Sherm" Liimatainen. He's someone Tuura said has done a lot for local and national labor unions and who deserves any accolades.

Liimatainen served as vice president of the National United Committee to Protect Pensions and co-chaired the American Pension Justice group that lobbied for several years for federal action to help save those pensions, action finally taken in 2021 as part of the $1.9 trillion federal American Relief Plan. Some $86 billion of that money helped shore up 185 union pension plans that were close to collapse, a group that included close to a million retired truck drivers, retail clerks, builders and others who were facing or already experiencing a loss of earned retirement income, according to a 2021 Pine Knot News story.

The retired secretary treasurer of Teamsters Local 346 in Duluth also sat next to Congressman Rick Nolan in 2017 when President Trump addressed Congress for the first time, a reminder of those pending pension problems.

Additionally, Liimatainen has been a respected hockey and basketball coach, and has served on the Community Memorial Hospital board of directors, and Lake Country Power and Great River Energy boards.

Tuura is hopeful that labor unions are on the rise again.

"I feel like the younger generation is starting to realize that retirement is important," Tuura said. And I see a lot of kids asking me what I do and about union labor in general. You've got to look toward your future."

Line up for the parade around 10:30 a.m. on Avenue B westward from 18th Street; no forms are necessary, and a donation to the event is appreciated.

Once again, there will be food trucks in the city parking lot at Cloquet Avenue and 11th Street during and after the parade.

Questions? Contact Tuura at 218-590-0238.

Car show weekend

Mahtowa hosts the Rat Rod Rendezvous Saturday and Sunday. It's actually two shows, "Shine on Saturday" for more-classic cars and street rods from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31, and "Rusty Sunday" featuring mostly rat rods from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 1.

On Labor Day itself, Bert and Judy Whittington will hold their annual car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2 at the Northeastern Hotel Saloon & Grille on Dunlap Island in Cloquet. Get there between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to enter, and enjoy free coffee and rolls. There is no entry fee. Trophies and plaques are awarded for best of show, people's choice and various "best" car categories, including Ford, GM, Mopar and Open Class (unrestored, hot rod, other corporations). Burgers and brats for sale.