Three Big Days of Fun: It’s the 115th Wagner Labor Day Celebration.

I was born and raised in Wagner, South Dakota and the most exciting time of the year is definitely Wagner's Labor Day celebration.  Three big days of food, fun and family. The highlight of the entire event is the parade. This year is the 115th Wagner Labor Day parade. It starts at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 7. 2015 and thousands of people attend. Get there early to find a good place to sit along the parade route.

I love the Festival in the Park. There are lots of arts, crafts and merchandise booths, live entertainment and food vendors. This year, Kim (Carl) Luke, former Wagner resident and daughter of Gerald Carl and the late Judy Carl, will be in the park signing copies of her books. Kim currently lives in the Kansas City metro area and has written two murder-mystery-fantasy books, "Circle of Sun" and "Black Inferno."  Books will be available for purchase or bring your own copy for Kim to sign.  Festival in the Park is Sunday and Monday, September 6 and 7, 2015 in the Wagner Park.

Other events include the kiddie parade, rodeo, live music, queen contest, all-school reunion (shout out to the Class of '88), Wagner Speedway season championships and so much more.

Wagner is a super busy place during these three days. It's only an hour and 45 minute drive from Sioux Falls. While you're in town for the celebration, you could take a drive over to Pickstown and check out the Missouri River and Fort Randall Dam. Pickstown is only 12 miles west of Wagner. Have a picnic at beautiful Wagner Lake and let the kids play on the brand new playground equipment.

The Wagner Labor Day celebration is summer's last hurrah!