Columbus Day, a nationally recognized federal holiday, falls on Monday, Oct. 8 this year. While it is an opportunity for some to sleep in on a Monday, Renton School District students and parents will be on a normal schedule (check out the District's 2012-2013 calendar here).
Here's a little history behind the holiday:
Columbus Day remembers Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ long journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the “New World." The voyage was victorious when land was first spotted on Oct. 12, 1492.
The day is also considered a celebration of Italian heritage, as well as a huge shopping day in the U.S.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is responsible for making the holiday a federal one in 1937.
Columbus Day is observed throughout the area and most local governments are not open. Here's the list of what is open and closed on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8:
Open:
- Retail Stores
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants
- Convenience Stores
- Bars/Taverns
- Gyms/Health Clubs
- Call ahead before heading to any of the above establishments to confirm they are open. Many retail stores or gyms/health clubs may be operating on a Sunday schedule or with limited hours.
Closed:
- Banks
- No mail delivery - All U.S post offices are closed
- Stock Market
- Federal Offices
- West Islip School District
- Islip Town Hall
Tell us: What are your plans for Columbus Day? Shopping? Relaxation? Celebration?
