GREENE – Greene's 107th Labor Day Picnic returns Monday, Sept 7, with a full day's line up of family activities, entertainment, and long-standing traditions that have shaped generations.

Organized by the Greene Labor Day Picnic Association, the event remains entirely volunteer-run, with all proceeds reinvested into local programs. Festivities are happening at the Greene Community Ball Flats rain or shine. The day ends with a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.

“It is an honor to be able to carry it on,” said association president Todd Messinger, “It's something that has defined the fall and going back to school for many generations. It's an opportunity for the community to come together and to volunteer and to grow for the next generation.”

Tradition Rooted in Community

Katha Root a longtime association member, and Greene resident, who helps plan the event, explained that the picnic began more than a century ago as a simple gathering for farmers and families to socialize after a busy growing season. “Originally it started to bring out all the farmers and all the people who didn't come out much during the year. And just to get people together,” said Root. “When it first started, everybody brought their own picnic lunch, for instance. And now it's just kind of turned into a celebration where we have all kinds of activities.”

Over the decades, the celebration has grown into a full-day festival drawing several thousand people to the ball flats participating in games and entertainment. The picnic expanded to include a Labor Day Parade, barbecue, and now for almost 25 years a 5K race. Many Greene alumni are said to return for the weekend which is often paired with the annual Greene alumni dinner at the golf course.

“When we were kids, we looked forward to Labor Day all summer. We went down all day and stayed with our friends,” said Root. “It's just been a great tradition for Greene. You almost always see people you know.”

Competitions and Community Pride

The Labor Day festivities begin at 8 a.m. with a competition unique to Greene, the signature hose fights. Teams use fire hoses to push a suspended ball along a wire, battling pressure and spray as spectators line the street.

“I don't think there's any other thing like this in the country. I think we're kind of the only one that does that. It's a tradition,” said Root. “We've done it for many, many years. It's kind of fun. Everybody gets wet usually.”

The Greene Fire Department supplies the hoses and equipment, and both men's and women's divisions compete in single-elimination brackets. This year's match ups include teams with names such as the Holy Warriors, Taco Bandits, Hot Hose Summer, and Hose Before Bros.“Everybody uses the hose, so it's kind of fun to watch,” Root said.

Following the hose fights is the Labor Day Parade, which features local organizations, classic cars, tractors, horses, emergency personnel, and if schedules allow the Greene High School marching band. Parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Raymond parking lot on Wheeler Street then takes off through town at 10 a.m.

The annual 5K race, also takes place in the morning at 9 a.m.. The course is certified, allowing runners to use their times for qualifying races. Registration information is available on the event's Facebook page and closes Aug 28.

Food, Games, Activities, and Giving Back

Festivities at the ball flats continue at 11 a.m. with a variety of activities. As the parade ends, antique cars head to the ball flats for the annual car show, which drew more than 80 vehicles last year. Participants can register on the event's Facebook page or sign up the day of event. Trophies will be awarded. During the car show an antique tractor pull returns as well, organized by a group of longtime participants.

Food booths open at 11 a.m., offering hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, cotton candy, strawberry shortcake, ice cream, french fries, and more. Each booth is run by different community groups, school clubs, churches, and volunteers.

The popular chicken barbecue, prepared by the Greene Area Churches, and families who have staffed the pit for decades, begins at 11 a.m.. Messinger said they ordered 1500 halves this year. “Usually we sell out,” he added. Root said chicken meals are expected to costs between $10 and $15 depending on sides.

The association ensures that all proceeds stay in Greene, supporting local food banks, scholarships, youth programs, the JRC summer program, prom events, and other community needs.

“None of it is for profit. It's all volunteer and goes back into the community,” Messinger said. “We've raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years.”

“We support all the community events in green. So that's what the money is raised for,” said Root.

Children's entertainment runs throughout the afternoon, all of it free except the Bounce House which costs $5 for an all day access wristband. This includes Dan the Snake Man, Free pony and horse rides provided by Helping Hands of Coventry, the Magician David Black, and Balloon Animals among other clean fun as Messinger describes it.

A variety of carnival games will operate all day. “There's the carnival games where you coin toss, where you get to toss a ping pong ball and win a goldfish,” Messinger said, “A lot of kids carrying around goldfish on this day.”

At 3 p.m. an adult kickball game takes place. You can find out more by visiting the event Facebook page.

Live Entertainment All Afternoon

Musical entertainment begins at noon and continues through the evenings. Almost all acts are local. The lineup includes: David Black 12-1, Gary Jennings 1-2:30, Jo Jo Russell 2:30-3:40, Elvis 4-4:30, Heuer Brothers Music 5-7, The Goldens 7:30-8:45.

One musical act in particular, Elvis, has been returning to Greene's Labor Day Picnic for what will now be his 27th year.

“I have people call me every year to make sure that Elvis is going to show up,” Messinger said.

“He's the famous person that we've had. He's been coming for 27 years or so. Everybody loves Elvis. He usually draws a big crowd,” said Root.

Volunteers Welcome

Both Root and Messinger emphasized that the picnic thrives because of community volunteers and that anyone is welcome to join in.

“They can come to one of the tents and say, hey, I'd like to help,” Root said. “Somebody will put them to work and find a spot for them.”

Donations to help support the event may be sent to the Greene Labor Day Picnic Association at 16 North Chenango Street, Greene, NY.

As Greene celebrates its 107th Labor Day Picnic, the heart of the tradition remains the same. A community gathering built by volunteers who care, to usher in the end of summer, and reconnect with neighbors, family, and friends.

To find out more about the Labor Day events visit www.facebook.com/GreeneLaborDay