Berea College Labor Day, a tradition begun in 1922, celebrates the work values to which Berea is committed -- the dignity of all labor and serving the common good through work that benefits the college and community. It’s also a day of fun and games for students, faculty and staff, who have the day off. This year’s celebration is April 25, with a theme is “150 Years…Learning to Work…Working to Learn.”

A new event this year will be the “Berea Idol” contest to highlight student talent. From all entrants, 10 will move on to a performance preliminary at 8 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel on Monday evening, April 24. The top three voted on by the audience will sing in the Finale the next day in Seabury Center from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Those in attendance will vote for their top performer who will be the first Berea Idol, announced at 3 that afternoon.

In addition to a cash award the winner will receive recording time to make a demo at Renfro Valley Recording Studio and a guest performance in a Renfro Valley show.
Also on Tuesday, Seabury Center will be the site for a variety of games and booths sponsored by College departments - many inspired by the nature of the work in those departments – starting at 10:30 a.m.

Traditional Labor Day activities open to the public will include: a Labor Day Eve street dance from 7:30-9:30 on Monday in front of Boone Tavern on the College Square, sponsored by the Berea College Country Dancers; and a Tuesday evening concert by the Berea College Chamber, Wind and Jazz Ensembles at 7 p.m. in Woods-Penniman Building Common. Both events are free.

Students receiving annual awards for achievement in the Labor Program will be honored at an Awards Banquet from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Labor Day Eve, in Boone Tavern.

For more information, contact David Slinker (859-985-3734) or Lesia Holder, (859-985-3692) in the Berea College Labor Program office.