Hose fights have become a unique tradition at the Greene Labor Day Picnic, starting this year at 8 a.m. (Photo from Greene Labor Day Picnic Association)

GREENE – Greene's 107th Labor Day Picnic returns Monday, September 7 with a full day of family activities, entertainment and long-standing traditions at the Community Ball Flats. The event is entirely volunteer-run, with all proceeds supporting local programs. Organized by the Greene Labor Day Picnic Association, festivities begin at 8 a.m. and end with fireworks at 8:30 p.m., rain or shine.

“It is an honor to be able to carry it on,” said association President Todd Messinger. “It's something that has defined the fall and going back to school for many generations.”

The picnic began more than a century ago as a simple gathering for farmers and families. “Originally it started to bring out all the farmers and all the people who didn't come out much during the year. And just to get people together,” said longtime association member Katha Root. “When it first started, everybody brought their own picnic lunch, for instance. And now it's just kind of turned into a celebration where we have all kinds of activities.”

Over the years, the celebration has grown into a full-day festival drawing thousands to the ball flats for food, games and entertainment.

Morning events include Greene's signature Hose Fights starting at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K race at 9 a.m. and the Labor Day Parade at 10 a.m. Antique cars then head to the ball flats for the annual car show, alongside the antique tractor pull.

Food booths open at 11 a.m., offering hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, strawberry shortcake, ice cream and more. The popular chicken barbecue, prepared by the Greene Area Churches and longtime volunteers, also begins at 11 a.m. Messinger said they ordered 1,500 halves this year. “Usually we sell out,” he added. Root said chicken meals are expected to cost between $10 and $15 depending on sides.

Children's activities run throughout the afternoon, all of it free except the bounce house, which costs $5 for an all-day access wristband. This includes Dan the Snake Man, free pony and horse rides provided by Helping Hands of Coventry, magician David Black and balloon animals, among other “clean fun,” as Messinger describes it. An adult kickball game begins at 3 p.m.

Live music begins at noon and continues through the evening. The lineup includes David Black, noon-1 p.m.; Gary Jennings, 1-2:30 p.m.; Jo Jo Russell, 2:30-3:40 p.m.; Elvis, 4-4:30 p.m.; Heuer Brothers Music, 5-7 p.m.; and The Goldens, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Elvis, returning for his 27th year at the picnic, is a much-anticipated act.

“I have people call me every year to make sure that Elvis is going to show up,” Messinger said.

“He's the famous person that we've had. He's been coming for 27 years or so. Everybody loves Elvis. He usually draws a big crowd,” said Root.

Both Root and Messinger emphasized that the picnic thrives because of community volunteers and that anyone is welcome to help out.

The association ensures that all proceeds from the event go back into the community, supporting local causes like food banks, scholarships, youth programs, prom events and other community needs.

As Greene marks this 107th year of community celebration, the picnic remains a day built by volunteers and shared by neighbors.