Thousands headed out to the streets of South Plainfield Monday to enjoy the annual Labor Day parade.

Gov. Jon Corzine marched in the 1.5-mile parade, an event that turned 50 this year. Corzine says Labor Day is a way to welcome a new season and new opportunities.

Those in attendance say Labor Day means the end of the summer. For kids, it means back to school.

Labor Day is also seen as the unofficial start of the political season. Politicians on both sides of the political fence attended the parade, which has become one of the largest Labor Day parades in New Jersey.