The Hamptons, a region known for its affluence, sees a unique dynamic between its wealthy residents and the workers who serve them. During early May, the wealthy typically reside in New York City. Despite this, rush hour traffic and home preparation activities persist, illustrating the area’s reliance on labor.

In the southeastern end of Long Island, two distinct groups exist. Residents, who seldom inhabit their homes, and workers, who are present but seldom feel welcomed. These groups navigate the same streets, houses, and rooms, yet rarely encounter one another. The workers clean the expansive glass windows of beachfront mansions, but must leave before the homeowners arrive to enjoy the ocean view. They are essential to someone else’s summer weekends.

In Southampton, day laborers gather on weekdays near a 7-Eleven, seeking job opportunities. By the weekend, the spots where they stood are marked by worn patches of dirt. As vibrant crowds travel from the city, the main road leading out of the Hamptons becomes congested with trucks and vans from landscaping, construction, and cleaning services. This phenomenon has earned the nickname “trade parade.”