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MISSOULA - Laborers across the nation spent the day away from work to honor of Labor Day. Several businesses closed in the Garden City, but parks were open and full of people.

Bonner Park was a popular destination for holiday picnics. Two church groups hosted barbeques and the lawns were busy with games. Five Valleys Church of Christ minister Jake Jensen said Labor Day weekend gives him plenty of reasons to celebrate.

"I'm grateful that we're able to have jobs and able to live in a country where we can choose what we wanna do and be able to be in a place where we have options, choices," Jensen said. "We don't get our choices made for us. I enjoy Labor Day 'cause it's great just being able to be out with friends and family hangin' out."

Many of the people outside agreed the weather was perfect for a holiday picnic.

"It's still summer-like in a way, but it's starting to cool down a little bit," Church of the Nazarene member Ron Ewart said while holding his son, Kolten, on his shoulders. "This is the time of year that a lot of people like because it's not quite as hot. It's cool , there's a little chill in the air, leaves are starting to turn. I love fall."

The American Federation of Labor hosts its Labor Day picnic next Sunday at Bonner Park from 1-5 p.m.