Last weekend residents and visitors enjoyed yet another spectacular Labor Day celebration spread over four days in Greenbelt. It marked the 69th Greenbelt Labor Day Festival, one of the largest all-volunteer organized events in the state. The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival was started in 1955 as a way of raising funds to build a Youth Center. It had been held every year since until 2020 when it was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. In 2021 a smaller-scale Festival was held, without the usual accompanying carnival. Last year, 2022, was the first year back to a full Festival and this year organizers described it as a “banner year.”
One of the many highlights is the vibrant Parade. This year’s Parade winners reflect the diversity of those marching, from the theatrical musical performances of the Greenbelt Honk! Situation, which encompassed dancing, puppetry, unicycling and plenty of brass to the sweet flowers of Greenbelt Elementary School, “where students grow,” the Barbie Dream Home of Town Center Realty, the cheers, pool noodles, barracudas and decorated car of the Greenbelt Swim Team and the fantastic athletic choreography of the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. Stars and Lady Raiders.
Though they didn’t win prizes, many politicians gave an enthusiastic appearance, including Steny Hoyer, who no longer represents Greenbelt due to redistricting but continues to join the Parade each year, Delegate Nicole Williams and Prince George’s County Councilmember Ingrid Watson, among others. This election year Parade participants also included Greenbelt City Council challengers Matthew Inzeo and Jenni Pompi.
Parade Winners 2023
Best In Parade
First Place: The New Deal Café/Greenbelt Honk! Situation won a trophy and top monetary award of $400.
Best in Parade – Fire and Emergency
First Place: Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department (trophy and $100 check)
First Runner-up: Prince George’s County Community College Emergency Medical Services ($50 check)
Best in Parade – Car
First Place: Beltway Plaza Merchant’s Association (trophy and $100 check)
First Runner-up: Friends of Greenbelt Museum ($50 check)
Most Humorous
First Place: Greenbelt Arts Center (trophy and $100 check)
First Runner-up: Greenbelt Elementary School PTA ($50 check)
Best Pet Unit
First Place: Girl Scout Service Unit 22-5 (trophy and $200 check)
First Runner-up: Maser ($100 check)
Best Performing Group
First Place: Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. Stars (trophy and $300 check)
First Runner-up: Lady Raiders Step Squad ($200 check)
Best Novelty
First Place: Monumental City Fife (trophy and $100 check)
First Runner-up: Mishkan Torah ($50 check)
Best Theme
First Place: Town Realty Center (trophy and $200 check)
First Runner-up: Greenbelt Cub Scouts 202 ($100 check)
People’s Choice
First Place: Greenbelt Aquatic & Fitness (trophy and $100 check)
First Runner-up: Queer Youth Ensemble ($50 check)
Best Community
First Place: Greenbelt Municipal Swim Team (trophy and $200 check)
First Runner-up: Friends of Greenbelt Theatre ($100 check)
Most Entertaining
First Place: Seabrook
Seahawks Pathfinders (trophy and $100 check)
First Runner-up: Mission BBQ ($50 check)