DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Labor day parade is the annual event where union workers feel the comradery from marching together; while also throwing out candy to the kids and onlookers.

South Central Iowa Federation of Labor organized the parade and a picnic afterwards at Union Labor Park. The number of people either participating in the parade or watching was in the thousands.

The route started on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol and ended at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. With the parade wrapping up around 1 p.m., members of the 24 unions participating were invited to that picnic.

“Labor Day is about the working man and that is what we have got to remember. We are the ones that actually make the country work. It’s not the billionaires, it’s us that do all the work. And that’s what Labor Day is about, celebrating the work we do all year round,” said Tom Hayes, President of South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL/CIO.

A “workers over billionaires” protest occurred before the parade route, with several dozen people participating. Similar to the “no kings” protests that have been seen locally and around the country this year. There were also similar protests in different states on Monday.

The picnic lasted from right after the parade until 5 p.m., with inflatables, face paint, live music and more for all members of the family to enjoy.

“To me it just shows that us as a collective can get together and not only bargain for our rights, but bargain for a day where we can have time and enjoy it with our families,” said Kay Bennett Journeyman PCC, Restoration Specialist with Bricklayers Local 3.