Prince George, B.C. – Thousands of city residents will be taking over the lawn at City Hall for Labour Day festivities Sept. 4.

The Labour Day Organizing Committee and the North Central Labour Council are coordinating the event, which will include a march through downtown at noon.

From left, BC Federation of Labour secretary-treasurer Aaron Ekman, PGDTA secretary Tina Cousins and CUPE 3742 president Karen Wong at last year’s event

It all starts at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall and will include speakers, music, free food and games.

Natalie Fletcher of the Labour Day Organizing Committee says the theme is: Labour movement – past, present, future – fighting for the rights of all!

She says the purpose is to highlight “the vital role of labour in the community” and all the contributions it’s made “to the betterment of society.”

Organizers are expecting around 2,000 people to take part – about the same as last year.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Aaron Ekman, secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour.