Celebrate Columbus Day in the Delaware Valley

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, 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.

Celebrate Columbus Day by attending one of these events this weekend:

Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade
When: October 7 at 12 p.m.
Where: South Broad Street

Narberth Oktoberfest
When: October 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Narberth Park

Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival
When: October 7, 2012
Where: Chestnut Hill Visitor's Center
8426 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118

Paoli Blues Fest 2012
When: October 6 at 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: West Lancaster Ave & Paoli Pike, Paoli, PA 19301

Historic Sugartown Carriage Driving Event
When: October 7 at 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 690 Sugartown Rd
Malvern, PA 19355

Ghost Hunting Event
When: October 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Marple Public Library
Springfield Rd and Sproul Rd
Broomall, PA

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

Check out the local Columbus Day specials below:

Lilly Pulitzer and BCCA Shop and Save
When: October 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lilly Pulitzer Store at Suburban Square
25 Coulter Ave, Ardmore, PA

Columbus Day Sale at Philadelphia Premium Outlets
When: October 5 through October 8
Where:18 West Lightcap Road
Limerick, PA 19464

King of Prussia Mall Columbus Day Deals
When: October 5 through October 8
Where: Varies stores at King of Prussia Plaza and Court

Columbus Day Sales at Granite Run Mall
When: October 6 through 8
Where: Granite Run Mall at select stores
1067 West Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063

Macy's:
Save 10 to 15 percent off select sale and clearance items with coupon through October 8, 2012.

Payless Shoes
Save an extra 20 percent off at Payless through Monday with coupon.

Big Lots
Save 20 percent on October 7 with coupon.

Sports Authority
Save 25 percent off one item with coupon.

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.

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