Community Corner

Celebrate Columbus Day in Babylon

Columbus Day is on Monday, Oct. 8 this year.

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.

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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.

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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
  • Babylon School District
  • Babylon Village Hall

Tell us: What are your plans for Columbus Day? Shopping? Relaxation? Celebration?


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