LELAND — Labor Day is a day meant to celebrate the American worker. And for those who spent the holiday working here in Northern Michigan, the day takes on extra meaning.
Ana Holley is the general manager of the ice cream shop & retail store, Leland Harbor House. She said she likes working in the tourism industry.
“I actually really enjoy those really busy weekends and holidays,” said Holley.
For her, Labor Day is usually spent catering to the final visitors of the summer season.
“This is kind of like the last big hurrah of the summer. It’ll start to die down after this,” said Holley.
Holley said the Labor Day holiday is almost always one of the biggest weekends of the summer season and this Labor Day, did not disappoint.
“Super busy. Lots of people out and about. The weather’s been great. So yeah, I mean, it’s definitely one of the busier weekends,” said Holley.
Just down the road, Natalie Korson, is a cashier at Leland Mercantile Co.
She also spent the day behind the register as visitors passed through the store on their way home.
“I usually do work Mondays, though, and I close the store Monday night, so that tends to be my day,” said Korson.
She said it’s nice to have a day that celebrates American workers and everything they do, no matter the job.
“Honestly, it’s kind of nice to be honored that you’re a worker and you’re serving other people. And you do and people do appreciate me, and they’ll say, thank you for being here. And I really do like that,” said Korson.
A day all about celebrating the American worker and how far they have come.
“I think it’s wonderful. I mean, thanks to unions and all of that, we got eight-hour workdays and we’re not being worked to the bone anymore. So, I think it’s a really great thing,” said Holley.