5 Things You Should Know Today - Sept. 5, 2011

It's the last day of a long Labor Day weekend, and we're sharing some things you should know about the holiday:

1. The weather

The National Weather Service predicts scattered showers today, with a 30 percent chance of rain and a high of just 65. But the low tonight is the real shocker: 48 degrees.

2. Trash pick-up

There won't be trash pick-up in either Farmington or Farmington Hills today, so routes will off for a day all week.

3. What's closed

Government offices are closed today, along with the library and many small businesses - we've seen lots of "Closed for the Labor Day holiday" in downtown Farmington and points beyond. Major retailers are open, but may have limited hours. Your best bet is to call ahead; you can find local businesses listed in our Places directory.

4. Cruis'n the Grand

If it's not raining and if temperatures are above 60 degrees, look for Cruis'n the Grand in the Downtown Farmington Business Center on Grand River this evening. This free car show, which starts at 5 p.m., is moving from its usual location in the Village Commons parking lot for one night only.

5. So what is Labor Day, anyway?

The very first Labor Day commemoration was in 1882, but according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor website, there is still some doubt about how the holiday came to be. The first Monday in September is set aside as a "yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."