Labor Day marks the traditional end of summer, while at the same time celebrating the contributions of workers in building and sustaining America. This year we’re especially grateful for medical, long-term care, and retail workers, for all who continued to do their jobs and support their communities at the risk to their own health during the pandemic. And, of course, in election years, Labor Day is also the usual start for the serious campaigning that leads into the November election.

On Westport Island we’ll be celebrating again this year at the Town Hall, but with a Covid-aware event on the outside from 2 to 4 PM on Monday, Sept. 7. Everyone will be asked to wear a mask and practice appropriate social distancing. The current limit set by the State is 100 people for an outside event. We’ll use the Town Hall primarily for the restrooms. The Labor Day celebration is sponsored by the Westport Island Democrats.

Unlike the pot-luck meals for Labor Day picnics in the past, this year folks will be encouraged to bring their own picnic, both food and drink, and their own seating, though we can use chairs from the Town Hall if we sanitize them before and after. We will have free hot dogs from a grill prepared by a volunteer, for 40 people, on a first come, first served basis. For fun there will be lawn games, where we can sanitize to protect the players, and a trivia contest. And, of course, you can just enjoy chatting with your neighbors in the shade of the oak trees.

In acknowledgement of the importance of the election in November, this year the trivia contest will focus on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Pull out your pocket-sized copy of our founding document and read up on the foundation guidelines for our democracy. Extra credit for knowing the 17 Amendments that have been adopted since the Bill of Rights. And there will be some questions on Westport Island history – do you remember what year the ferry to Wiscasset ceased operation?

The Democratic candidates to represent Westport Island in the Maine State Senate and House, Chloe Maxmin and Holly Stover, plan to join us, and we may have representatives from both the Chellie Pingree and Sara Gideon campaigns. Tired of all the negative ads on TV? Come get the straight story on what Democrats stand for and propose for Maine and the nation.

For more information email westportislanddems@gmail.com or call Jeff Tarbox at 882-6411.