The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell Shop ‘N Save in the Tygart Valley Mall Shopping Center in Elkins is always prepared for cake needs with decorating made to order.

As we look around us, it will not take long to notice that several special activities are taking place during this last holiday weekend before autumn sets-in.

We are challenged to develop some plans that do not leave some (Mom and helpers) in the kitchen while everyone else flees the house and finds some fun event at which to spend the afternoon and evening.

While Randolph County and surrounding areas have many marvelous cooks, it is only fair that Labor Day Weekend meals are found somewhere else besides Mom’s kitchen. So, let us get some ideas about how we can provide some relief for our favorite chef and allow for attendance at the many wonderful celebrations that are planned through Monday, Sept. 4.

Looking at today’s itinerary, it appears packed with activity.  Only forty-five Corridor H miles to the West, both Jackson’s Mill and Jane Lew will host their annual large craft events where early Christmas shoppers can make many preparations. 

Either going to events or coming home from events, a pass through Buckhannon can offer several “grab-and-go” food-finding opportunities, either at the new Main Street Bulk Superstore or Fish Hawk Market across the street. Between these two stops, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, tasty cookies or super large ice cream cones can be had.  

Several area grocery outlets, like this Kroger, provide our community with an ample selection of sandwich meats that can be cut to order for family meals.

Bring a cooler or a picnic basket and “have at it,” as one of my former fellow weight-control friends recommends. Yes, at times, it is OK to jump off the wagon.

If one decides they want to have the perfect picnic loaded in the vehicle before taking to the road, any of our retail grocery markets can offer food selections of sandwich spreads, potato, macaroni or fruit salads, coleslaw, or Jello dishes.

While a cooler may be required, Mom will surely enjoy the stress-relief as she might rather be in Clarksburg enjoying the 44th annual Italian Heritage Festival with lots of music, meatballs, pepperoni rolls and pasta flowing through its streets.

And, who will be forgetting Saturday night’s big game between West Virginia University and Penn State? Are we seriously considering having our favorite lady-of-the-kitchen furnish the evening treats? Of course not. Half-time hunger will just have to be addressed without Mom doing her usual kitchen detail and sweating through fries, burgers or pizza preparation.

As my husband often tells me, “Hop to it, Hopsing.” And, usual production of snack food can come out of the cupboard. Just be sure the beverages have been cooled and all evening complaints will be canceled.

Tasty Great Harvest breads are used in many sandwich lunches sold there.

Labor Day Weekend Sunday and Monday probably require quieter venues and while home-cooked, after-Church lunches are very good, lots of area restaurants beg for a chance to show-off their cooks including Smoke on the Water, Harrison Avenue’s China Max, our Four-lane’s Steak House buffet, Mama Mia’s, Scottie’s or downtown’s C. J. Maggie’s. 

Some will say it is a bit expensive to treat the family to a sit-down restaurant meal, but grocery store bargains seem few and giving Mom a Labor Day Vacation like everyone else is enjoying is only fair. What a joy when Mom can eat a complete meal with dessert and someone else has furnished the preparation and had the bill with tip paid!

The Labor Day Holiday is such an important time as it allows us to consider the important role our workforce plays in our ability to enjoy life. And, being expected to perform difficult tasks each day needs to be a time when those who do it are commended for what they contribute to Society.

This country is only great and bountiful because we have millions of dedicated workers who try to do every task with care and purpose.  It is only fitting that we take some time to remember them and all they do for us every day of the year.  

Our caring Moms are certainly qualified and bonafide to receive these honors.  

Many will recall the great cinema movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” when we first heard the word “bonafide” — as in Funk & Wagnall’s Standard College Dictionary (1968) meaning “authentic, genuine in transactions, and acting in good faith.”

Gratitude surely must be part of our Labor Day festivities, and, especially, for those who never receive a monthly paycheck.

Along with all the fun we want to be part of this holiday, let us be truly thankful to all those who keep our worlds going and never ask for a dime. For in that labor that is well-performed, our futures mightily depend.