I arrived in Greenbelt just after the Labor Day Festival 2023, but I have to say I wouldn’t have appreciated the Festival as much if that had been the first of the many Festivals and events I have now attended here.
I would describe the event as Greenbeltian, or perhaps the better word is Greenbelterian, because as with so much of life here the key word is participation. Greenbelters don’t just sit back to be entertained, although that is part of the fun, but they are willing to throw themselves into being the entertainment as well. From the Rising Stars showcase to the Retro Town Fair, the art show, the photo show and the competitions on the athletic fields, Greenbelters are all in.
Then there is the music: The Relics, the Greenbelt Honk! Situation, Granny of Granny and the Boys and Kieran Lally all are native Greenbelters or live here now. Unfortunately, Eddie of Eddie and the Slowpokes, couldn’t add his musical contribution this year.
Then there are the groups who shared Greenbelt with the many guests, either in the parade, providing their organizations’ information at the booths on Saturday or selling their crafts on Sunday and Monday. Even on the midway, amid mostly imported vendors, there were local groups raising funds.
A young Greenbelter was asked recently what his favorite holiday is, and he said Labor Day. The questioners, who don’t live here, are probably still scratching their heads. But I get it.