Labor Day traces to a New York City parade on Sept. 5, 1882 when about 10,000 workers marched; Congress made the first Monday in September a federal holiday in 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed the law. Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed and standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery will not run, although some critical services will operate at select locations. Most major national retailers and grocery stores will be open and many are offering promotional sales; warehouse club Costco will be closed. AAA says millions will travel despite schools being back in session and higher fuel costs; flights to top domestic destinations are nearly 20 percent more expensive than last year, hotel prices have risen, the average U.S. regular gas price is just under $4.10 per gallon, up 90 cents, while cruises from U.S. ports are about 4 percent cheaper. AAA recommends monitoring weather, inspecting tires, battery and fluids, and packing an emergency kit for road trips. Boaters have enjoyed calm waters in some regions this weekend, but meteorologists warn stormy conditions will continue through Labor Day with rounds of storms before drier air arrives overnight, producing regional variability in conditions and travel impacts.
