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On Monday, Sept. 2, Winchester played host to the 120th anniversary of its annual Labor Day Festival. 

This year’s festival– organized by the Winchester Labor Day Festival Committee– featured various activities for kids and adults, serving free food and drinks and more. 

Perhaps most notably, the event included a downtown parade along Main Street that was welcoming to all of Winchester.

Yet its tradition goes far beyond such celebrations. 

Local resident Deatra Newell, an active member of the Winchester community, recently spoke of the tradition. 

She noted that its origins in the Poynterville neighborhood—often called Bucktown—helped create its strong reputation. 

“They would give one heck of a performance,” stated Newell.

The event was and continues to be held in such high regard that, historically, individuals would gather in Winchester from as far as California or New York to reconnect over the holiday weekend.

For such reasons, certain opportunities have been reserved more for adults – with music often being played as late as midnight after children have likely retired for the night. 

Newell feels a personal connection to the event. 

Her father ran a concession stand in which he was known for selling Coney Island hot dogs, ribs, fish, hot sausage, and more. 

Eventually, he would become the first African American to operate a concession stand at the yearly Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival, which previously occurred at College Park. 

However, Newell showed concern that history could be forgotten. 

“I just wish [there] was some kind of way people could recognize [history],” she said. “So much of our black history is not told.” 

As such, one step Newell is taking is creating banners for recognition.

She hopes that – after 120 years – individuals from inside and outside the area will have an equal appreciation. 

“People have another mindset that have come to Winchester,” she said.