The First Labor Day Parade
Peter woke up early on a sunny morning. Today was a very special day in New York City.
Peter put on his favorite cap. His father, Papa, wore a clean blue shirt.
Papa was a carpenter who built wooden homes. He worked hard six days a week.
Today, Papa did not go to work. Instead, he took Peter by the hand.
"Where are we going, Papa?" Peter asked. "We are going to a grand parade," Papa said with a proud smile.
Many people filled the wide streets. Bands played loud drums and bright brass horns.
Thousands of workers walked down the road together. Peter saw painters wearing white hats.
He saw bakers holding up fresh loaves of bread. He saw bricklayers carrying colorful banners.
"Why are all the workers marching?" Peter asked. Papa lifted Peter up onto his shoulders.
"We build the schools, roads, and homes," Papa explained. "Today is a day to celebrate our hard work."
The crowd cheered as the workers marched by. Peter clapped his hands as loud as he could.
Later, the workers and their families gathered in a big park. Everyone sat on blankets under the tall shade trees.
They ate sandwiches, corn, and sweet fruit. Peter played tag on the grass with new friends.
- carpenter:
- A person whose job is to build or repair wooden things.
- grand:
- Big, wonderful, and impressive.
- banners:
- Long pieces of cloth with words or pictures on them.
- marching:
- Walking together with steady, regular steps like soldiers or a parade.
- celebrate:
- To do something fun to honor a special day or event.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What city was having a special day at the start of the story?
- 2What job did Peter's father do?
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About this fiction passage for Lower Elementary
“The First Labor Day Parade” is a fiction reading passage about Labor Day, written for Lower Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (248 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.