Today is Columbus Day, and the annual parade up Fifth Avenue (from 47th to 72nd) starts at 11:30 a.m. It's a federal holiday, which means public schools and government offices are closed (the Farley Post office at 8th Avenue is open, though) and there's no garbage pickup, street cleaning or recycling and alternate-side parking is suspended. The NYSE is open, banks may or may not be open, and mass transit is running on regular weekday schedules. Factoids: The first recorded Columbus Day celebration in the U.S. was on October 12, 1792, organized by the Society of St. Tammany but it was in 1892 (the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage) that was the first official U.S. celebration. more ›

For those lucky enough to be enjoying this three-day weekend, let’s take a moment to raise our glass to Christopher Columbus, who arrived in the Americas, this time back in 1492. For many, the second Monday in October just means another day to work off our hangover and spend the majority of the afternoon in p.j.’s watching the Food Network (or is that just me?). But for Italian-Americans, Columbus Day marks an opportunity to celebrate their heritage with fun things like parades, food, more food and some good vino. That’s reason enough for us to get off the couch (as soon as this episode of “Incredible Edible Mansions” is over). more ›

Today is Columbus Day, and since it's a federal, state and local holiday, there are many closings. Public schools and public offices are closed. There is no mail delivery, but the James Farley Post Office at Eighth Avenue and West 33rd Street is open. There's no garbage or recycling pick up or street cleaning. Things that are open: The stock market and many offices (based on the grumblings we've heard). more ›

A number of city agencies celebrated working together to give Columbus Circle a glorious makeover yesterday, marking the end of the circle's long restoration. The mess of construction at one of the city's most infuriating intersections (or roundabout, rather) seemed to linger on forever, and then suddenly, there were fountains and benches! The Mayor was joined by the Commissioners from the Parks, Tranportation, Design and Construction and City Planning Departments, as well as TimeWarner CEO Dick Parsons, to cut the ribbon at the circle (break out the big, yet still safe scissors!). The Mayor invoked the circle's namesake in his remarks, "It has been a long and difficult journey -- much longer than Columbus' voyage, in fact. But unlike him we've actually accomplished what we set out to do, and today we are out to mark the end of the road." Seriously, who writes his stuff? more ›