Monday is one of those wonky holidays. Even the name is up for grabs. In 1937 President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed it to be Columbus Day and made it a “national holiday.” That’s where the rub comes in. Yes, it is one of ten U.S. federal holidays, but it’s not considered a major one. While federal offices, postal services and some banks will be closed, state offices will still be open for the most part. And don’t you know that restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and the State Fair will all be open, too.
As for North Texas, it’s a mixed bag. Dallas County and City courts won’t be doing business, but Dallas Independent School District classes will be in session.
Still another problem with the almost-a-holiday is how it’s referred to. Last year, President Joe Biden proclaimed Monday, October 11, 2021, to be “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” But the wording of the proclamation applied only to 2021, so it only adds to the confusion.
In the meantime, many states and cities have scrapped Columbus for the new nomenclature. Others have declared it both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
So, before taking off to get a marriage license or to have your driver’s license renewed, call ahead.
* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler