Labor Day 2024: Top events include St. Anthony's Seminary, Hatch Chile Fest, Harvest Wine
Most El Pasoans look forward to Labor Day weekend and take some time to relax, enjoy family or attend some area festivals.
The weekend usually kicks off fall events and annual festivals, such as the St. Anthony's Seminary Labor Day bazaar and the Hatch Valley Chile Festival in Hatch.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is observed on the first Monday in September to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers.
In the borderland, families can look forward to a variety of events from golf under the lights and art and music festivals to deals for first responders and veterans.
Here is how to celebrate Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept.1.
St. Anthony's Seminary
For many El Pasoans, St. Anthony's Seminary kermes is a fun way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. The seminary comes alive with festive booths with enchiladas, gorditas and other items.
Many families like to play Loteria to win ceramic figurines and other knickknacks. There are also plenty of fun things for the kids to do on the lovely seminary grounds.
The fiesta will be Saturday, Aug. 31-Monday, Sept. 2 this year.
Franciscan Festival will be Labor Day weekend
The Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts, featuring more than 90 artists, will take place during Labor Day weekend at the Holy Cross Retreat Center, 600 Holy Cross Road in Mesilla Park, N.M.
The festival, which has existed for 20 years, brings artists, food vendors and entertainment together in a peaceful setting with a beautiful chapel. The artists will be both inside buildings and outside in the shade. Food vendors will include enchiladas, flautas and gorditas.
There will be live music on two stages, a beer and wine garden, and a silent auction. Parking and entrance are free, however, donations are accepted.
Hatch Valley Chile Festival hours
The Hatch Valley Chile Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1. The parade, Keeping It Spicy Since 1972, will kick off the festivities at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Music will start at 11 a.m. both days on the Main Stage. There will be a carnival with rides behind the Village Market, 418 W Hall St. The carnival will be Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Advance tickets are $25 for unlimited rides, available at the Hatch Public Library, 522 E. Hall St. Tickets will be $35 at the gate.
Harvest Wine & Music Festival Las Cruces
The Harvest Wine & Music Festival will feature 17 wineries and 12 bands over a three-day event. The festival will be from noon to 6 p.m. daily, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, at the Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo Grounds, 12125 Robert Larson Blvd., Las Cruces.
Tickets start at $44 for two people, available online at newmexicowinefestivallascruces.holdmyticket.com Discounts available for military and designated drivers.
Golf under the Night Lights
With the daytime heat, it's nice to know El Pasoans can play some golf under the lights in the evening. The Ascarate Park golf course is hosting Nights Under the Lights from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Saturday, Sept. 28 at 6900 Delta Drive.
The cost is $6 for large-range buckets. The last bucket sold at 9:15 p.m. Information: 915-771-2392.
Kona Grill offers Labor Day weekend deals for first responders, veterans
Kona Grill restaurants, at the Fountains at Farah, 8889 Gateway Blvd. West in El Paso, will be offering 50% off food for first responders (police, firefighters, EMT, hospital staff, doctors and nurses) and teachers from Friday, Aug. 30- Monday, Sept. 2. The deal has also been extended to active military and veterans.
Deal excludes tax and gratuity. It cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid for alcohol. Available for dine-in only. Must show proof of first responder or teacher employment ID.
Ruidoso Downs moves Labor Day weekend races to Albuquerque
Ruidoso Downs Racetrack General Manager Rick Baugh announced that the five major Labor Day weekend races will all be scheduled Monday, Sept. 2, at Downs of Albuquerque.
The Labor Day race card will include the $3 million All American Futurity, $1 million All American Derby, $625,000 All American Oaks, $250,000 All American Gold Cup and $100,000 All American Invitational.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track has an agreement with the Cowboy Channel to broadcast the races nationwide. First post for Labor Day has been tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. Information: www.raceruidoso.com
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María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; [email protected], @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on Instagram, eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is Labor Day 2024? Celebrate in El Paso, Mesilla, Las Cruces, Hatch
