Contrary to its name, Labor Day weekend will offer Lawrence Countians the opportunity to relax.

Fishing and family fun in an Ironton park highlight the weekend as summer draws to a close.

Kids R People 2, a local non-profit organization, will host its third community cookout at noon Monday, capping a weekend of activities at the Ninth and Madison Streets Park.

"This community is stepping up and letting the kids know we care," said Joe Young, president of the organization.

At noon Saturday, the organization will sponsor a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for children ages 3 to 18.

A community gathering featuring relay races and other games will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The cookout, local musical entertainment and the basketball tournament championship game will highlight Monday's events that begin at noon.

Young said he came up with the idea to start the organization because he and other civic-minded citizens wanted to provide opportunities for local youth, especially those in the municipal housing system.

"We want the kids to know we won't let the drug dealers run them off," Young said. "We want them to know it is safe and they can have fun at the park because it is theirs."

The group sponsored a cookout at the end of July that attracted more than 150 children. Young said he hopes to build on this success and continue offering the event

each summer.

For more information on the cookout, call Cheryl Young at 533-1340 or Joseph Young at (606) 615-7639.

Also this

holiday weekend, the Izaak Walton League will have its annual fishing derby at Izaak Walton Lake in Aid Township

from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Izaak Walton Lake is located on County Road 4 (Etna Waterloo Road) off State Route 93.

Organizers offer the annual derby to allow children to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

The derby is open to children from the ages of 2 to 18. Registration begins at 11 a.m. There will be prizes and refreshments.

Organizers invite anyone who has an interest in fishing or the outdoors to attend.