CHICAGO (WLS) -- Labor Day signals the end of summer for many, and a last chance to hit the beach or host a BBQ before children head back to school.
"Perfect ending to the weekend," said Briah Avery, attending the African Festival of the Arts. "Waking around seeing the different cultures, it's been great."
In Chicago, Labor Day means festivals and parades across the city and suburbs, including the African Festival of the Arts on the South Side and Last Fling in Naperville.
"We got the whole family of seven out here," said Terry Zafiriou, who is attending the Last Fling. "We just picked up some food, enjoyed the parade, enjoy the rest of the day."
And how about some fun in the sun? Despite an early shower in spots it was a nearly perfect day. At North Avenue Beach people took advantage of the city's lakefront.
"Soak up some sun. Have a blast in the water, even though it's freezing right now. Trying to ease into it, build some sand castles," said Demetria Carswell.
And of course what would Labor Day be without the traditional barbeque? At Rainbow Street Beach families came together one last time this summer.
"For all the kids because they all have to go back to school. Some of them already started, but everybody else goes back to school tomorrow so they're all excited," Isaura Tovara said.
"Were doing some ribs, jerk chicken, hamburger, Italian sausage, we got coleslaw, spaghetti and potato salad," said Denise Miller.
Lake seaweed infestation damaging boats
Chicago's official beach season comes to an end Monday as the lifeguards are no longer on duty. But the boating season continues for a couple more weeks.
Some boaters in Montrose Harbor say the end of the season isn't the only thing snagging their sailing. They say lake seaweed is damaging boats.
"Saturday my propeller totally jammed, I had to drift into the dock with the help of some dock ages, they pulled us in with lines. (Sunday) my rotor jammed and I lost my steering," said boat owner Michael Falls.
Adding insult to injury, the equipment used to get rid of it is apparently out of service.
"I was told they have five of these machines, four of them are broken and inoperable," Falls said. "They don't know when they are going to be fixed and the only one that is left running is being used at 31st Street Harbor."