W. Mass. beaches end season on a high

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The calendar will tell you we're not done with summer yet, but that's hardly the opinion we found on Labor Day in Chicopee.

The dog days of summer seem all but over with on Labor Day, marking the unofficial end to our hottest season.

"It's typical, it falls around the same area, kids are going back to school, it's one of the last couple times you get to go out when the weather's nice," said Jose Calderon of Springfield.

The beating drums at Chicopee State Park served as a soundtrack to people having one last outdoor barbeque with family and friends, before shorter days and cooler seasons return.

"I'm here with family, just trying to get to know more people in the family, just having a fun time, trying to go play football on the beach," said Michael Preston of Springfield.

While many people treat Labor Day as the end of summer, fall doesn't officially begin until September 22nd, which gives you another 3 weeks, so don't put away the flip flops yet!

While the water felt like a good place to soak up the last few rays of summer, our changing seasons are what makes many people enjoy living in this area.

"Summer's over, kids are back to school, so it's the end of summer...I'm kind of sad about it, I like the warmer weather going to the beach, but I look forward to winter, I like winter too. I like the seasons, that's why I like New England," said Lin Ewart of Chicopee.

Labor Day was the last day for swimming at parks department beaches in western Massachusetts with parks department pools closed since late August.