I agree with Nick. Labor Day will either be a 3-day International MR opp. for mileage runners, a traditional Do date for AAsia runs of the past, or the increasingly popular Cow Do; or it's a chance for travellers to hang out with the people whom their travels usually take them away from. I also agree that the "party box" sounds like a blast, but the cost prohibitive to all but the diehard baseball fans.

The Balloon Glow & Ballon Race is really cool, and kind of a unique thing....and in spite of the crowds, Forest Park has so much to explore that this event and its venue kind of "plan" the Do themselves. It's crowded to be sure, people should be advised to not even THINK of parking, and would simply entail picking meeting spots/venues that are unmistakable/easy to find for non-locals. Plenty of pubs & resto's near Metrolink stations & within walking distance of Forest Park for said meetings.