From parades to concerts and festivals, there's plenty of activities on Labor Day weekend.
1.) The Steelworkers & Friends Labor Day Parade
The parade starts at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Main and Spring streets in Bethlehem. The parade follows a route through Downtown Bethlehem and loops back to Main and Spring streets by about 12:45 p.m.
2.) Scandinavian Fest
In New Jersey, the 31st annual Scandinavian Fest takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Vasa Park on Wolf Road in Budd Lake, Morris County. The family festival celebrates and promotes the cultures, histories and current life of the Nordic area countries with ethnic foods, authentic crafts, entertainment, folk dress, kids' activities, artisans demonstrations and more. Admission is $14 for adults.
MORE: Other things to do this weekend, too
3. Lookout Fire Co. No. 1 celebration and parade
The Lookout Fire Co. No. 1's 80th annual Labor Day Celebration runs Friday through Monday at Weona Park in Pen Argyl. On Friday (5 to 10:30 p.m.), Saturday (5 to 11 p.m.) and Sunday (3 to 10 p.m.), enjoy rides, games and entertainment, with fireworks scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Events begin at 1 p.m. Monday with a parade followed by an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and entertainment by Inch and the Echoes from 6 to 9 p.m.
4. Great Allentown Fair finale
Monday is the last day to catch some of the fun at the Great Allentown Fair noon to 10 p.m. From the High Diving Pirates of the Caribbean in the Maingate Courtyard, to a lineup of entertainment and competitions, it's your last chance to take in an annual tradition. Stick around for the J & J Demolition Derby, which is becoming a Labor Day tradition in the area. The starting gun fires at 5 p.m.
New this year, the fair will crown its first Beast of the East champion (last car standing). The fair is open noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, too.
5. Fishbone in Bethlehem
The performing group Fishbone is scheduled to take the Levitt Pavilion Steelstacks stage at 7:30 p.m. Monday for a free concert. According to the Artquest website, Fishbone has been "trailblazing their way through the history of American ska, funk, punk and rock fusion since starting their professional career in Los Angeles 25 years ago." Steetstacks is at 245 E. First St., Bethlehem.
6. Shop with Labor Day sales
OK, that may not appeal to everyone, but practically all the area malls and shopping areas are open for Labor Day weekend. Retailers need to clear their shelves this time of year, which can lead to some steep discounts. Good deals can be found on patio furniture and other backyard items; mattresses; summer clothes (stock up for next year or for that winter getaway); televisions (you know you're aching to watch the Eagles on a brand new high-def TV); and back-to-school supplies (if you have procrastinated).
Email KJ at kjfrantz@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow lehighvalleylive.com on Twitter at @lehighvalley. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.