Lubbock Residents Get Rest and Relax Over Labor Day Holiday - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Whether it was cooling off with an ice cream cone or relaxing under the shade of trees, NewsChannel 11 found plenty of people relaxing out at Mackenzie Park on Monday. Over the weekend, the scene was the same at nearby Buffalo Lake. The area was full of families and friends taking in the hot sun, from the land and the water.

Dozens were swimming to stay cool, and of course, a Labor Day favorite, cooking out. Many people enjoyed Labor Day, but NewsChannel 11 wanted to find out if they knew why it was a holiday, here's what some local residents had to say.

"It's a day where all Americans celebrate working hard."

"It's the last good three day weekend before the home stretch of winter."

"It's a time for family gatherings, to get together and talk about the past."

So what did happen in the past to give those of us in the present a day off of work? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is celebrated on the first Monday of September and has been for more than 100 years.