The Des Moines Register

Iowa sees 3 Labor Day celebrations on list of America's Top 150 favorites. What are they?

By Ronna Faaborg, Des Moines Register,

11 hours ago

A recent national poll has landed three Iowa Labor Day events among the most popular in America.

The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow, Madrid’s Labor Day Celebration and the Amana Colonies Labor Day Festival were all listed in the top 100 of the 150 events noted .

Mixbook, a photobook company, surveyed 3,000 Americans to create the list of the 150 most popular Labor Day events in the country. Respondents were asked how they would choose to spend the holiday if distance were not a factor.

“Labor Day is a time to reflect on the hard work and achievements that have shaped our country,” a spokesperson for Mixbook said in a news release. “These top Labor Day celebrations not only highlight the diverse ways Americans come together to enjoy this holiday but also showcase the unique cultural and regional flavors that make our country so special.”

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When is the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow?

The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines ranked No. 59.

The Ren Faire kicks off Saturday and runs for three consecutive weekends, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Sept. 7-8 and Sept. 14-15. It’s a chance for faire-goers to enjoy live performances and jousting tournaments with a community of knights, queens and jesters. A wide range of vendors will be on hand selling medieval-themed products.

Located at 4051 Dean Ave., a permanent Renaissance village has been built on 15 acres nestled in the forests and hills of Des Moines.

More than 80 artists, crafters and vendors will be involved, along with more than 10 food booths, featuring Ren Faire favorites such as Scotch eggs, bubble waffles and turkey legs. For adults, Iowa-based Van Wijk Winery will be selling meads and wine in addition to other pub beverages.

Weekend passes are $23 for adults. Kids 12 and under get free admission. Online ticket purchases at sleepyhollowrenfaire.com , offer free parking, and VIP parking is $10. Gates are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.

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Madrid's Labor Day Celebration features Civil War reenactments

Coming in at No. 79, the Madrid Labor Day Celebration is a beloved, small-town event featuring a parade, live music, car show, carnival rides and games. With many local vendors offering food and crafts, Mixbook called the celebration “a festive atmosphere for all ages.”

With the theme “The Tradition to Talk About,” Madrid’s festivities will be held Friday through Monday. On Saturday and Sunday morning and afternoon, Civil War reenactments will be held in Edgewood Park. A display of cannon fire is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Find a complete schedule on Madrid Labor Day Celebration's Facebook page .

Amana Colonies' festival celebrates German roots

No. 95 on the national list is the Amana Colonies Labor Day Festival, a celebration of the area’s German heritage. Events include traditional music, dancing and food.

“Visitors can enjoy craft demonstrations, wine and beer tastings, and a variety of family-friendly activities in a charming historic setting,” the news release stated.

Find a complete list of the weekend's events at The Amana Colonies Convention & Visitors Bureau's Facebook page .

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