Families unite at annual Labor Day Picnic in celebration of community and worker’s spirit

ADVANCE, Mo. (KBSI) – Unity and appreciation for workers took center stage today at the annual Advance Labor Day Picnic.

A yearly tradition that continues to strengthen community ties and honor the contributions of working families.

Community members, law enforcement officers, first responders, and more all came out to the Labor Day Picnic to celebrate the meaning behind Labor Day. 

The event had music, games for children, a spread of hotdogs, hamburgers, sweet treats and more with almost all the vendors being community members themselves, but beyond the fun and activities those with booths recognized the vital role of labor behind sustaining the community. Mary-Jo Thompson is the Quilt Show coordinator for the Labor Day picnic; she shares that through this event they are able to share the lost of art of quilting.

“We are trying to make the public aware of the talent that some of our ladies, not only ladies, but some of the gentlemen also have, of putting together quilts. Quilting is a lost art that we’re trying to bring back” says Thompson.

Thompson shares that a quilt was given to a 93-year-old local Korean War Veteran named Jay Jackson as a way to show appreciation and community support. Local law enforcement officers had a booth set up alongside the Superheroes for Kids booth.

Superheroes for Kids offered photos with superman, batman, cat women and captain America to offer a strong connection through community law enforcement and children.  

Lonnie Johnson dressed as Superman shares that he has worked in Perry County Missouri law enforcement for years and they showed up to the event today to show local children that when they need help law enforcement officers can be the hero they need. 

“Just never know when you’re going to need help and it’s, again, our real-life heroes are, they’re there to help us.”  

The Advance Labor Day Picnic started Saturday August 30th and ran through Monday September 1st, 2025.