The federal holiday is observed on the first Monday of September each year, and that happens to be September 5, 2011.The first Labor Day to be observed in the US was September 5, 1882 in Boston. Now Labor Day is pretty much an excuse to have fun and BBQ and celebrate the end of summer, and the last day to wear white for the ladies.

More Californians are expected to stay close to home this Labor Day weekend because of lagging economy and slightly higher travel costs. The prediction of the California State Automobile Association is that 3.7 million Californians will travel more than 50 miles during the upcoming holiday weekend. That's a 2.6 percent decrease from a year ago.

The association expects 3 million of the travelers to go by car, another 453,000 Californians will fly and another 230,000 will travel by train, boat or other means of transportation. Except car travelers others are less in number compared to last years. This is because of 13 percent higher Air fares,
6 percent rise of Hotel rates and Gas prices rise.

CSAA officials say these increased costs as well as a lagging economy are putting a dent in this year's Labor Day travel and the Californians who stay close to home will shop, visit friends, dine out and go on bike rides to enjoy the holiday weekend.