Mark your calendars for one of the authentic Merrimack Valley annual events, the Bread & Roses Festival in Lawrence, which is always produced on Labor Day. This year it’s Monday, September 6, 12 noon to 6 p.m. on the Campagnone Common in the middle of downtown. If you go, look for the Robert Frost Memorial on the Common; he was born in San Francisco, but grew up there and graduated from Lawrence High—valedictorian. The festival is animated by a point of view about justice, peace, and fairness in life and work. Planning is underway throughout Lawrence for the 100th anniversary of the Bread & Roses Strike in 2012. The workers said we need not only bread for sustenance but also the roses of joy in our daily lives.  It’s a lasting message.

Performers and attractions will include the Bread & Puppet troupe from Vermont, Boston Music Award-winning Grupo Fantasia Latin music group, Pentucket Players, pony rides and a petting zoo, Sweet Willie D., Itchy Feet, Bylli Crayonne, Dramatik, Dairon Skye, Boys R Us, Show Divine, Febo and Masada, trolley tours, international foods, plus lots of information booths from labor, environmental, peace, and other social justice organizations.

For details, visit breadandrosesheritage.org or call 978-794-1655.

Web photo courtesy of breadandpuppet.org