KHTS put together a few ideas on how to celebrate the end of summer.

As the nights get cooler and the days shorter, nature is signaling the end of summer, but for most summer ends with Labor Day.

Despite the fact that we all celebrate Labor Day, I will be the first to admit that I don’t know the reason why the first Monday in September is special.

Because of this I did a little research and came up with two completely different stories from very reputable sources.

The Department of Labor believes that Labor Day was started by Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor. He suggested that we have a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

The DOL also says that it is possible that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, founded the holiday.

According to the DOL the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union.

This story conflicts with the accounts found on PBS.

In PBS’s version of history the celebration was in response to the ending of a strike on the railroad, where U.S troops fired upon and killed some strikers in Pullman, Illinois. To read the full story of both versions click on the links below.

PBS- http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/september96/labor_day_9-2.html

DOL- http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM

Before we put the slip and slides and days at the beach behind us and hunker down for the cold months, well cold by California standards, here are a few ideas to send summer out with a bang.

If you plan on staying in the Santa Clarita Valley this Labor Day the know-it-alls at KHTS have compiled a list of some activities that could keep you entertained. Be advised though, this holiday, as popular as it may be, is more about backyard BBQ’s then big events so the City of Santa Clarita is playing it low key and not offering any extravagant destinations.

With a number of beautiful parks right around the corner, many may choose to spend Labor Day in the grass with friends and family. Many of the parks here at home offer picnic tables and BBQ pits which make that afternoon picnic all the easier:

Including Santa Clarita Park, Heritage Park, Bouquet Canyon Park, Canyon Country Park, Newhall Park, North Oaks Park, Old Orchard Park, Valencia Glen.

Another great park that is just a short distance away includes two lakes and a lot of activities is Castaic Lake. The lake will be open this holiday weekend, giving guests a chance to swim in the lower lake, wakeboard in the upper lake and catch fish in both. Castaic Lake also offers BBQ stations and tons of picnic tables spread throughout the park. There is playground equipment located on both the upper lake and lower lake, and the swim area is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get into the lake it’ll cost guests $11 per vehicle, and if you add a boat to your set-up add an additional $13. For more information about Castaic Lake call (661) 257-4050

If you’re in the mood for a giant turkey leg and a deep-fried Twinkie then you’re in luck because the LA County Fair is taking over Pomona. The fair opens Saturday, September 5 and is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. On Monday the fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Those who get to the fair early this weekend will be rewarded with an entrance fee of only $1, but don’t get there later than 1 p.m. because admission jumps to $17 for adults 13 and up, $12 for children 6 to 12, and free for the little ones under 5. Admission also gets guests into the concerts that the fair will be hosting all weekend. For more information on the fair and a list of concerts taking place click here.

With temperatures expected to run in the 80’s this weekend a great way spend a day or two would be at our local beaches. Just a 45 minute drive east on State Route 126 and you’ll find yourself in the city of Ventura.

Here is a list of beaches you’ll find and some amenities they offer.

San Buenaventura State Beach

This beach has a little bit of everything, swimming, surfing, picnicking, and everything in between. Visitors can park on site for an $8.00 fee. If you’re in the mood to BBQ there are pits and picnic tables available, but if you’re looking for something a little more romantic or just don’t want the hassle there is also a restaurant on the pier. If you find yourself around near dusk, the pier offers a great view of the sunset. The beach is open from dawn to dusk and overnight camping is not available.

McGrath State Beach

If you’re in the mood to do some camping McGrath is a great beach to do so. Located near the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve this beach offers some great views of wildlife. Campsites are available for reservation and they have some first-come-first-serve sites as well. Although the beach at this camp is reportedly great for surfing and fishing, swimming is not recommended because of the strong currents and riptides that flow through the area. The campground is five miles south of Ventura off Highway 101 via Harbor Boulevard. There are 147 campsites but no hookups. Fire rings are provided as well are hot showers for only a quarter. Campsites run $25 per night, for up to eight people pervehicle. There is a maximum of three cars per site with an extra fee for each vehicle.

Emma Wood State Beach

This beach and campsite is tucked away between the 101 freeway and the northern section of Ventura. It offers group campsites as well as single sites. Much like McGrath, this too is located near a freshwater marsh, attracting many local critters to view. In addition to the marsh, Emma Wood also offers a view of the ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site.

Rincon Parkway

This is perhaps the closest one can get to camping next to the waves. These sites are designed for RV’s and run along the coast between Ventura and Carpinteria. There are 127 spots that run along the beach, and fees are paid at stations along the road. Because of the limited number of spots, close relation to the beach itself and the fact that no reservations are accepted, these spots fill up quickly. It’s best to get there early.

For a great list of beaches in Ventura and an unofficial critique of them click here. To find out more about reservations and availability call (805) 968-1033