Advance, MO - The Labor Day celebration holds many different meanings to people these days.  The City of Advance continues the traditions of the past by celebrating Labor Day with a community parade.   Local business, civic groups, and political figures all make an effort to be involved in the community event. 

Labor Day is an American federal holiday that is observed on the first Monday in September to celebrate the economic and social contributions of workers.   

Initially, the Labor Day street parade was designed to exhibit to the public the strength and spirit of local businesses and organizations.  Many times, festivals would follow the community parades to celebrate the contributions of the workers and their families.

The involvement of the holiday has changed over the years.  The awareness of  the celebration is often diluted in the political speeches, especially during an election year such as 2012.  Labor Day celebrations often become the center point for speeches by prominent men and women.

Area civic service and local fire rescue groups always bring a lot of excitement to the parades.  Having the equipment in "Top Shine" condition takes a lot of preparation, but those at the event enjoy the sounds and sites of the emergency vehicles.  The Stoddard County Ambulance District can be seen on hand in the above photo.

Advance, as well as many other area small communities, continues the original traditions of celebrating the vitality and economic success of their local small- town businesses.  The economic challenges have been many, but the American spirit is alive and well in the city of Advance.

That spirit is easily recognized as one passes on Highway 25 around “the curve” in Advance.   Local business leaders and community organizers have planned well and increased the business trade of the community.  Selfless contributors often deliver this investment into the future of a small town with a recognizable passion for the overall good of the community.   

Congratulations to Advance and those instrumental in the community’s success.

(Picture Provided by Tonya Winchester prior to the Advance Parade.  Tonya's granddaughter, Lily and step-son, Brison, were excited to take part in the event as she drove through the parade handing out candy to attendees.)