Celebrate Columbus Day in Eureka and Wildwood

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, the holiday itself is also interesting.

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 also is considered a celebration of Italian heritage, as well as a huge shopping day in the United States. Where better in the St. Louis area to celebrate Italian-related special days then "The Hill"?

St. Louis' famous Italian neighborhood—The Hill—will celebrate the annual Columbus Day Parade and Festival on Sunday, Oct. 14. The parade starts at noon at Columbia and Macklind Avenues. After lining the parade route and watching the floats, cars and bands, attendees can head to Berra Park for an afternoon of food, music and fun.

The Columbus Day Corporation in St. Louis is the oldest Italian American organization in the United States, according to the members' website. It was organized on Nov. 11, 1866, and was incorporated on Dec. 6, 1866. It is comprised of many St. Louis Italian-American organizations, who joined together to ensure there will always be a Columbus Day Parade.

Current members of the Columbus Day Corporation include:

• South Side Lions
• Fratellanza Society
• The Hill Neighborhood Association
• Italia-America Bocce Club
• The Hill Business Association
• Il Pensiero
• Italian Club of St. Louis
• Italian Community Band
• Sicilian Cultural Association
• St. Ambrose Church
• UNICO National St. Louis Chapter
• La Festa Di Santa Fara Corp.

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

What is closed on Columbus Day? Most banks, government offices and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed to observe the holiday.

What are your plans for Columbus Day? Shopping? Relaxation? Celebration?