CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A day off work for many in Central Illinois is also a day to celebrate hard work. Labor Day is the mark of summer coming to a close — but it’s also a time for Champaign County’s annual Labor Day Parade.

The streets were packed with people and so was the parade lineup. Champaign County businesses, school bands, union workers and even the Marching Illini got involved.

“It’s a celebration of everything labor. It’s all the years of hard work and struggles to give people a good living and happy, safe lives,” Ironworkers Local 380 union worker, Erik Davis, said.

The streets were filled with people as the annual Labor Day Parade in Champaign County kicked off around 11 a.m. on Monday.

There were some people who had attended the parade for many years, and even four-legged friends that were eager to watch.

Some of the kids at the parade said that they were most excited for the candy. But beyond the sweets and the day off from work and school, for some this day is bigger. It’s personal.

“It changed everything. The union was the best decision I have ever made,” Davis said.

He has been a member of Champaign’s Ironworkers Local Union for almost two decades. He said that it has given him so much.

“It paid me to go to school and taught me all the things I know,” Davis added.

The United States began celebrating Labor Day in the 19th Century, during a challenging time for the nation’s workforce. Davis remembered why the nation started celebrating this holiday and why it’s still important today.

“It’s about creating safe working environments and knowledgeable employees that are skilled in their crafts and trades,” Davis said.

The parade is another opportunity for him and his crew to remember.

“My union, we’re considered a pretty tight brotherhood. So, any day I get to hang out with my guys is great. My union brothers are awesome,” Davis said.

After the parade was over, there was a picnic in Neil Street Plaza. People ate food, kids enjoyed bounce houses, and music was playing.