Make family memories this Labor Day: German culture, parade, fireworks and more

Labor Day has traditionally been a day to celebrate the American worker but has since evolved into the last hurrah of summer for most of us. Before you get caught up in the faster pace of fall with school, work, and after-school activities, take some time this Labor Day weekend to make some lasting family memories that will keep you warm as the days and nights grow cooler. Check out these events going on Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1.

If you'd like to start the kids early on their history lessons, the National Constitution Center Museum in historic Philadelphia will be open all Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Aug. 30 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31 noon to 5 p.m., and Monday, September 1 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Travel back to Revolutionary times and learn about printing and candle making. Take in "In the Army Now Show." Your kids will especially love dressing up in period clothes and story time.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Experience all things German at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in Northeast Philadelphia from Saturday Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1 starting at 12 p.m. Festivities will include crafts, German wine and beer, German-American singing and dancing, as well as rides and games for the kids.

Franklin Square in Center City is hosting a Labor Day Celebration from Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. Your kids will love the carnival games, train ride, carousel and mini-golf.

"To infinity and beyond!"  Treat your "Toy Story" fans to a Labor Day Barbecue with Buzz Lightyear at Gasper's Pond Pavilion in Richboro, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. Your kids will love getting their pictures taken with Buzz.

This time of year is also filled with many cultural celebrations as well. The Annual Polish-American Family Festival & Country Fair at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pa. is honoring the Polish-American heritage with traditional music and dance as well as arts and crafts, ethnic food and midway rides. The festival is running from Saturday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 7 from noon to 8 p.m.

And finally what is a holiday without fireworks and parades? Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. is offering another fireworks and fountain show on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 8:15 p.m. Walk the beautiful grounds and then enjoy the show.

In Camden, N.J., you can enjoy a barbecue with live music at Wiggins Waterfront Park on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Don't miss live music from JJ Grey and Mofro, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Mia Borders and the Reverb Brothers. There will also be plenty of food, drink and family-friendly activities.

Hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob... barbecues are a staple of Labor Day festivities, right? Why not join some of the "Sesame Street" characters for a special barbecue either Sunday Aug. 31 or Monday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. in Big Bird's Riverside Pavilion at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa. On Sunday, you will get the extra treat of a fireworks show. Reservations are required, so please call 215-752-7070.

In Center City, the original meaning of Labor Day is recognized by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO with its 27th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade and Family Celebration on Monday, Sept. 1. The parade will start at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. at 9 a.m. and will head down to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, where the family fun day will commence from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Face painting, magic show, craft center and live music will have your kids smiling all afternoon. For the general public, admission into the Family Fun Day is $10.