Happy Labor Day to Clay Aiken, his hard-working team,
and the wonderful people who support Clay!
Labor Day is more than just a day off from school and work. It’s a great time to think about the history of the national holiday and its importance in American history. Not only is it a day to enjoy picnics, festivals and barbecues; it’s a national dedication to the social and economic achievements of American workers.
Here are a few interesting facts about Labor Day to get you into the spirit of the holiday:
- President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day to be the first Monday of September. Labor Day was first observed on September 5th, 1882.
- Labor Day is celebrated in Canada as well as the United States. Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day as law.
- The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City. 10,000 workers took an unpaid holiday to march in the first Labor Day parade.
- Around 150 million people have jobs and work in the United States. Around 7.2 million of them are school teachers.
- Labor Day is the third most popular day for grilling.
- Labor Day is the official end to hot dog season?
- In Nome, Alaska, you can enjoy the annual Great Bathtub Race on Labor Day. Four contestants push bathtubs with wheels and filled with water carrying a fifth team member.
- The annual Snake River Duck Race is another spectacular event you will not want to miss. Here you will see thousands of plastic ducks arriving on the river after moving through miles of twists and turns.
- “No white after Labor Day” was the old-fashioned style rule. Today’s fashion rules now shy away from this outdated policy.
One of the traditions of Labor Day used to be the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. The star-studded variety show would last almost 24 hours. It entertained, informed and more importantly, raised funds for MDA.
Lewis was MDA national chairman from the early 1950s to 2011, and is credited with raising more than $1.6 billion over the years. He was nominated in 1977 for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the telethon and muscular dystrophy relief.
In 2003, Clay Aiken was a guest on the MDA telethon. Clay sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and received glowing comments from Jerry Lewis. Jerry announced to the audience that Clay Aiken fans donated more than $30,000 when they learned that Clay would be on the show.
The following video shows Clay’s performance and the wonderful praise he received from Jerry Lewis.
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How is Clay Aiken celebrating Labor Day this year?
I have a feeling he might be a bit busy, but I do hope that he will have time to enjoy some fun time with his family and friends.
And, as always, I will post any news that comes in as soon as it is available.
When I learned that Clay was on the telethon I rushed to my tv and turned it on. He was just walking off the stage! AAAACCKKKK! I MISSED him live!! Luckily we had clack and I was able to see it! I was still new to the fandom and was so grateful to the fans who made it available. I was so touched by what Jerry Lewis said about Clay. I was beaming with pride!!
I wonder what he's going to be doing today! Guess we will find out later tonight! Clay For Congress!!!
I remember Clay's appearance like it was yesterday. I was so proud of him, and the fans. Raising money for Jerry's kids, and Clay singing! Perfect. I bet Clay will be out and about his district today, greeting as many people as possible at parades, and events. YOU GO CLAY!!!!!
Happy Labor Day everyone. Love to see that video.
Enjoyed this so much. It is funny but, I fall in love all over again each time I see Clay!
I know how you feel, I feel much the same way.There's just something about him that pulls at my heart every time.
Thanks so much for this!
I was just thinking about it this morning. Didn't see it until long after the original airing. Loved Jerry's comments and watching the faces in the audience as they listened and watched- transfixed and star struck. Also loved that little bit at the end where he changed things up–a beautiful rendition.
This was a beautiful performance of "Bridge." I also remember being proud of Clay but I was particularly touched by Jerry's praise of Clay – and his fans who raised over $30,000 for MDA on news of his booking to sing on telethon. Most gratifying was Jerry saying Clay was the winner from his personal standpoint from day 1 of the Idol competition! It was thrilling to see the standing ovation Clay received for the telethon performance and to witness his humility as he came back for his bow (at Jerry's command) and greeted Jerry so warmly. I remember those days as filled with pride, promise, excitement, and accomplishment. What a journey we've been on with Clay Aiken, the performer and the man. Can't wait to see where it will lead.