Labor Day isn’t just the starting bell for the school year — it’s also when Black Diamond throws its biggest festival of the year.
Black Diamond Labor Days begins this Saturday, Aug. 31, and goes through Monday, Sept. 2., with most activities being held on the Black Diamond Elementary School sports field.
Saturday’s activities begin at 6 p.m. with trivia and “splash karaoke” with Inverno Entertainment Northwest, followed by a free screening of Marvel’s “Captain Marvel.”
(If it rains, the movie will move to the Masonic Lodge at 32523 3rd Ave.)
Sunday starts at 10 a.m. with “Doggie Day” on the main stage, as furry companions of all shapes and sizes showcase whatever talents they may have, or just to show off their good looks; there will be prizes for multiple categories.
To register your dog, go to www.blackdiamondlabordays.org to print a form, or fill one out Sunday morning. All dogs must be leashed.
Following the pet event is a live music performance with Lorne Max Renshaw from 11 a.m. to noon.
The annual Pie Baking Contest, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, begins at 11:30 a.m. To enter, go to the Labor Days’ website to download a form.
The musical talents of Dave Moore and Kenny Buckley will be on display from noon to 1 p.m.
At 12:30 p.m., though, the main stage will be used for festival announcements, as well as giving out the citizen awards (from the Lifetime Commitment Award for 30 or more years of volunteer service to the Business Owner of the Year Award) and presenting the Labor Day Royalty.
Meanwhile, watermelon eating and hula hoop contests are scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m.
Finally, the entertainment for the day rounds out with Brett Habenicht and Craig Young from 1 to 2 p.m., and the band Inverno from 2 to 4 p.m.
Monday begins with a 7 a.m. breakfast at the Masonic Hall, but the highlight of the festival — the annual parade down the highway — starts at 10 a.m.
Steve Curtis will be performing from noon to 1 p.m., with some announcements being made on the main stage at 12:30 p.m.
Field games, including three-legged races and other feats of athleticism, will be organized on the school field from 1 to 3 p.m., with Steve Curtis and The Mixx again performing from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by Inverno from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information, go to www.blackdiamondlabordays.org.