If you haven’t already, mark the calendar for Sept. 2.

Labor Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday of September to commend and honor the achievements of American workers by rewarding laborers with a day off. 

The first holiday was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, a Tuesday, in New York City. It wasn’t until 12 years later that it became a nationally recognized holiday.

Nowadays, Americans celebrate Labor Day with barbeques and trips to the beach. But that may not be practical for a college budget. Here’s a guide to a more realistic and creative, Labor Day weekend.

Movie marathon

Going to movie theaters in Wichita isn’t always affordable for college students. Movie rentals may better fit wallets. 

Celebrate your day off from class and work with a movie marathon of the summer blockbusters you couldn’t afford during the break. Movies like “The Great Gatsby” and “Oblivion” are now available for rent and purchase.

Pitch a tent

Kansans take to the state lakes on Labor Day weekend for a last-minute camping trip before the weather turns cold. 

Without time or resources to head out of town, one can also head to the backyard. Pitching a tent outside can be a step to enjoying the great outdoors one last time. And there’s always building a tent in the living room with bed sheets.

Mini road trip

Kansas natives are probably accustomed to road trips to Kansas City, Salina or Topeka, but none of the places in between. 

Take the scenic byway, stopping at the small towns along the way to see what they have to offer. Lindsborg, Cottonwood Falls and Abilene are top-notch choices.

Go sale hunting

Search for bargains armed with coupons and a shopping cart. Summer procrastinators will surely be hosting the garage sale they’ve been meaning to do the past two months. 

Drive around town and look for the signs skirting neighborhoods for some good finds. Pair end-of-summer with back-to-school, and you also get great finds in department stores. 

  

Shop local

Most small, local businesses can’t afford to close shop on Labor Day, so pay heed to their hard work and shop local. There’s nothing worse than staying open on Labor Day and then getting no business, so give them some love this Monday.

Celebrate Wichita’s workers

Wichita’s signature business is the aviation industry. 

To learn more about Wichita involvement in aviation’s history, Wichitans can pay a visit to the Kansas Aviation Museum at 3350 S. George Washington Blvd. 

Their hours are 10. a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and admission is $8.95+tax.