Happy Labor Day, Folks — Here’s to the People Who Make South Jersey Work

Hey Folks,

Happy Labor Day!

I hope wherever you’re reading this today, you’ve got a little time to slow down, enjoy the people around you, maybe fire up the grill, take a walk on the Boardwalk, put your feet in the sand, or simply enjoy a well-earned day off.

Labor Day has always felt a little different here at the Shore. It’s that unofficial last big weekend of summer. The beaches are busy, the Boardwalk is alive, the restaurants are packed, and there’s that feeling in the air that summer isn’t quite ready to let go.

But there’s something important behind this holiday that’s worth remembering.

What Labor Day Is Really About

Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker — the men and women whose hard work has helped build our communities, our businesses, and our country. The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City in 1882, and in 1894 it became a national holiday observed on the first Monday in September. You can read more about that history from the U.S. Department of Labor.

And here’s a little Jersey connection I love: New Jersey was one of the first states in America to officially recognize Labor Day, back in 1887. There’s even a strong historical case that Paterson machinist and labor leader Matthew Maguire was one of the people responsible for originating the holiday.

How about that? Leave it to Jersey to get involved early.

At the Shore, You See Hard Work Everywhere

When I think about Labor Day, I think about the people I’ve met throughout Atlantic City and South Jersey over the years.

I think about the casino employees, bartenders and servers. The cooks who have been in the kitchen since before most of us woke up. The housekeepers, maintenance crews, police officers, firefighters and first responders. The teachers getting ready for another school year. The nurses and healthcare workers. The construction crews and tradespeople. The small business owners who open the doors every morning whether they’re tired or not.

I think about the people working the Boardwalk, the folks running the rides and attractions, the restaurant families, the hotel employees, the musicians and entertainers, and all those seasonal workers who help make summer at the Jersey Shore what it is.

Some of them are working today so the rest of us can enjoy Labor Day.

If you see them, give them a smile and a thank you.

A Day to Appreciate What We’ve Built

I’ve spent a lot of years talking about Atlantic City on the radio, walking the Boardwalk, meeting people throughout South Jersey, and telling anyone who’ll listen why I believe in this area.

And one thing I’ve learned is that a community isn’t really built by buildings.

It’s built by people.

It’s the person who opens the coffee shop before sunrise. It’s the guy fixing something behind the scenes that nobody ever notices. It’s the woman working a double shift. It’s the family running the same local business generation after generation. It’s the young person working their first summer job and learning what it means to earn a paycheck.

Those are the people who keep Atlantic City, Ocean City, Cape May and all of South Jersey moving.

Labor Day belongs to them.

Enjoy This One

So today, enjoy yourself.

Have the burger. Eat the hot dog. Get some Boardwalk pizza. Grab the ice cream cone before somebody starts talking about pumpkin spice.

Spend some time with your family and friends. Take that last summer swim. Walk the boards. Watch the ocean for a while. And if you’re looking for things to do in Atlantic City or visiting some of your favorite Jersey Shore attractions, remember that the person making your day enjoyable may be spending their holiday at work.

Be patient. Be kind. Tip well when somebody takes good care of you.

And wherever Labor Day finds you, I hope it’s a good one.

To everyone who gets up every day, punches the clock, runs the business, raises the family, serves the customer, teaches the student, builds the building, keeps us safe, takes care of others, or simply keeps showing up and doing the job — thank you.

Happy Labor Day from me to you and your family.

Help Us Grow The AC Mike Community

If you enjoy these stories and updates from around Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore, I’d appreciate a favor. Please share this newsletter with a friend, family member, coworker, or anyone who loves our community.

You and I are building something special here by highlighting the people, places, businesses, and stories that make South Jersey unique. Every share and every new subscriber helps us reach more people and shine a brighter spotlight on the positive things happening throughout our region.

If someone forwarded this newsletter to you, be sure to subscribe and join us each week for local stories, events, and insider perspectives from around the Shore.

Thank you for being part of the AC Mike community. And especially today, thank you to all the hardworking people who make this place we call home such a great place to live, work and play.

Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48

AC Mike