October 10 Lindy Edition: Columbus Day

It’s Columbus Day, Lindy! While for some it’s the first day of another work week, for others it’s a day off.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday.

The event is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, as Día de la Raza in many countries in Latin America, as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, as Día de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain and as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Uruguay.

These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially in various areas since the early 20th century. (Source: Wikipedia)

2. Every year the U.S. president signs an executive order designating the month of October as National Italian American Heritage Month. Coinciding with the festivities surrounding Columbus Day, the proclamation is recognition of the many achievements, contributions, and successes of Americans of Italian descent, as well as Italians in America. (Source: About.com)

3. More than 5.4 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1992. Today there are more than 26 million Americans of Italian descent in the United States, making them the fifth largest ethnic group. The country was even named after an Italian, the explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci. (Source: About.com)

4. In honor of Columbus Day there are many parades, including one of the largest, which is happening in New York City today. The 67th Annual Columbus Day Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. today when an expected 35,000 marchers will take to Fifth Avenue from 47th Street to 72nd Street.

All proceeds from the parade and related weekend events will help fund the Columbus Citizens Foundation's $2 million annual commitment to scholarships for deserving students. (Source: Eyewitness News)

5. Locally, there will be several closings, including:

• Babylon
• Arts Center
• OLPH

6. will be today, too. However, be sure to check the LML website for more details and events happening when it reopens tomorrow, including the continuation of the nominations and the continuation of the Lindenhurst Kiwanis Club-sponsored submissions.

7. There's also no U.S. Postal Service delivery, and only minimal postal services available.

8. The Long Island Rail Road is operating on a normal schedule on Columbus Day.

9. The Knights of Columbus-OLPH Council #794 will hold a blood drive from today.

10. There’s a Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1421 officers meeting tonight at 8 p.m.

11. Be sure to also check out Lindenhurst Patch’s events calendar for all of the latest football and fall sports games, including:

• Lindenhurst Varsity Girls Tennis at Copiague (Middle School) at 9 a.m.

Please also check out Lindenhurst Patch’s Welcome Video, and then be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Keep spreading the word, and have a great day. Be well, and take care.