The Kamloops and District Labour Council’s annual Labour Day Picnic had more significance this year. The KDLC is celebrating 70 years as part of the Canadian Labour Congress, “marking seven decades of solidarity, advocacy and bringing working people together across Kamloops and the surrounding region.” The picnic was held at MacDonald Park and was well attended.

There were representatives of provincial, local and national unions, political parties and city council members and hopefuls. Most of the tables offered freebies in the form of food, hats, water bottles, shopping bags, pens, pins and other items. There was a bouncy castle and other games for children and adults.

The Kamloops Storm were out in full force. The had a ball hockey area and players walked around talking about the team and giving tickets and other items away.

Speeches on the state of workers in Canada came from union representatives. Free draws for a variety of items continued throughout the day. Food was also available. You could get a hamburger or hot dog, a drink and bag of chips. If you wished to donate you could, but it was not necessary.

For most of the day, the (Dave) Coalmine’s Basement band entertained in the bandshell. Coalmine’s large catalogue of cover tunes made for a fun day. I was there early in the day and they did a great job on such hits as Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue on Black” and Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee” and other rock, pop and country tunes.

They provided a nice backdrop for those attending the picnic.

This annual event is always well attended and reminds us that worker’s rights are still an important issue today, as it was in past years.