Celebrate Columbus Day in Plymouth-Canton; Check What's Closed

Columbus Day, a nationally recognized federal holiday, falls on Monday, Oct. 14 this year. While it is an opportunity for some to sleep in on a Monday, the holiday itself is also interesting, and a great time to celebrate and shop.

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.

Each year, the Italian American Cultural Society, based in Clinton Township, commemorates the holiday with a parade. This year, the Columbus Day parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and will assemble at approximately 9:30 a.m. The parade route will be in Mt. Clemens. An afterglow will be held in the Italian American Cultural Center on Romeo Plank Road, just south of M-59 in Clinton Township.

The day is considered a celebration of Italian heritage, as well as a huge shopping day in the U.S. 

Stores such as the Canton Kohl's, JC Penney as well as Home Depot and Lowe's are among those running Columbus Day sales.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is responsible for making the holiday a federal one in 1937.

What is closed on Columbus Day? Most banks and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed to observe the holiday. The Canton Public Library is closed but the Plymouth District Library is open, along with schools and local government offices. 

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