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Rip Van Winkle, after sleeping twenty years, woke up on the Friday before Labor Day and said, “Well I guess it’s time for school to start back.” Sorry, Rip, it’s a different time and the kids have been back at school for almost a month. But, since you have slept on that mattress for twenty years, you can go to the Fine Furniture store and get a new one “On Sale,” and they’ll even throw in a Laz-Z-Boy recliner!

Labor Day was never the holiday here in the south that it was created to be. Labor Day, as it began in New York State in the late 19^th century, was meant to celebrate the workers of the nation, particularly those who belonged to labor unions.

There are labor unions in our state, but labor unions in Georgia were never the tails that wagged the dogs. I respect them and know many who have been part of the labor movement, but Labor Day was different for me.

            For me, it was a line that was drawn in the sand that separated the summer from the fall. I know that, technically, the fall of the year begins in a few weeks (September 22), but Labor Day and going back to school put a period to that season known as summer. Fun was over. Time to get back in the saddle.

            That was okay with me. I’ve mentioned it before, but summers meant work in the fields and, since we lived in what was known as the “country,” as opposed to “town,” the communion with school friends was sparse and I longed to see my friends. I’m not sure that school connections and friendships are as important to young people these days.

            In addition, going back to school after Labor Day meant that Friday Night Lights, the high school football season, would begin on that Friday night after the Monday holiday. I played football every year, but it’s not like now. Nowadays, even high school football is serious business.

            They lift weights during the off-season, have camps which they attend, and practice for the fall season begins a lot earlier. When I say I “played” football, that’s exactly what I meant. It was more play than serious. Still, there was nothing like running out on a Friday night football field with all the lights and the town cheering the locals on.

            I am looking forward to this upcoming Saturday as the college teams open their season. Bainbridge’s favorite son, Kirby Smart, probably works hard all year. I know he does, but this Saturday at noon his and my Bulldogs will kick off the 2024 season in Atlanta with a game against the Clemson Tigers. Go Dawgs!

            We’re a hop, skip, and a jump from Tallahassee’s Florida State Seminoles. Their season has already begun as they traveled all the way to Dublin, Ireland, for their opener. I know there are many ‘Nole fans here in town so I won’t say too much about the game against Georgia Tech. The best thing to say is that there are still eleven games left and time to have a great season.

            Labor Day heralded a change in the weather. I may be wrong with my “remembering,” but the temperature began to moderate somewhat and it seemed cooler than it has been this year. We have had a very hot and dry summer. It continues to feel hot, but I’m hoping for a break in the weather pattern after this holiday. But no hurricanes, please!

            In any case, harvest season will begin soon. The “whirr” of peanut pickers and the dust that follows them will soon be in our ears and eyes. Happy Labor Day, friends.