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2019 Federal Holiday Schedule

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federal holiday schedule
Each year, there are ten official federal holidays. On these days, federal employees typically have the day off, barring those who perform certain critical functions relating to safety and security. Additionally, some businesses close for federal holidays as well, so a federal holiday schedule can be helpful. If you’re wondering about federal holidays for 2019, here is a handy list.

2019 Federal Holiday Schedule

On federal holidays, most government offices are not open, including post offices. In addition, many financial institutions, such as banks and the stock markets, close for the day as well, though this isn’t always the case.

Federal Holidays 2019:

  • Tuesday, January 1: New Year’s Day
  • Monday, January 21: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
  • Monday, February 18: Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)
  • Monday, May 27: Memorial Day
  • Thursday, July 4: Independence Day
  • Monday, September 2: Labor Day
  • Monday, October 14: Columbus Day
  • Monday, November 11: Veterans Day
  • Thursday, November 28: Thanksgiving Day
  • Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Day

Who Gets the Day Off on Federal Holidays?

There is a common misconception that surrounds federal holidays; that everyone should get the day off. In reality, only federal employees are essentially guaranteed to have the day off, aside from those who work in critical safety or security roles.

For example, some employees from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Defense (DoD), and similar agencies will have to report to work on holidays. This is because they perform critical functions that keep the country safe.

Even though the holiday technically only applies to federal workers, many other companies and agencies also give their employees the day off. This means they close their doors in recognition of the holiday. However, not all organizations shut down for all holidays, including certain government agencies.

For example, though most state governments close their offices for federal holidays, Washington State employees do not get Columbus Day off as a holiday.

Are Federal Holidays Also National or Public Holidays?

No, federal holidays are not national or public holidays. On a public or national holiday, everyone would get the day off. This means every business would close for the day, as it would essentially be required by law.

In the U.S., there are no national holidays. However, many other nations do have public holidays.

What is Closed on Federal Holidays?

Outside of the federal government, whether an organization chooses to close is in the hands of their corporate office or upper management teams. This means some businesses may shut their doors for every holiday, others only acknowledge a few, and some don’t close at all.

While which establishments close in your area may vary from other cities, here are some organizations that could close for federal holidays, so you may want to contact your local groups to confirm whether they are opening:

  • Public and Private K-12 Schools
  • Colleges and Universities
  • UPS, FedEx, and Other Mail or Package Delivery Services
  • Banks and Credit Unions
  • U.S. Stock Markets
  • Retailers
  • Grocery Stores
  • Restaurants
  • Drug Stores and Pharmacies
  • Day Cares
  • Medical and Dental Offices

It’s also important to note that some organizations may open for the holiday, but only for a limited number of hours. Additionally, some may choose to close early the day before a holiday as well, particularly on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

There are also some holidays that are celebrated in the U.S., but that aren’t federal holidays. While federal offices may operate according to their usual business schedule on these days, other companies may choose to close on the following days:

  • Thursday, February 14: Valentine’s Day
  • Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
  • Sunday, April 21: Easter
  • Sunday, May 12: Mother’s Day
  • Sunday, June 16: Father’s Day
  • Thursday, October 31: Halloween

In most cases, federal agencies are not open on Sundays, except for those focused on public safety and security. While they do not formally recognize any of the above dates as being the same as the other federal holidays, most federal employees will incidentally have the day off.

Are you looking forward to any federal holidays in 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Photo: Mike Mozart

Fourth of July Deals and Freebies 2018

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fourth of july deals
Retailers are beginning to unveil Fourth of July deals and freebies — including discounts on entertainment and retail sales.

These promotions will help drive what could amount to $7 billion in spending for the holiday. That shakes out to about $73.42 per person, according to the National Retail Federation most recent annual tally.

Here are the deals and freebies we know about so far — we’ll add more of them to the article as we learn about them, so you’ll want to come back to this post later.

The Best July 4th Deals

Ashley Homestore

Ashley Homestore online is offering up to a 40% discount on select furniture. Plus, you can get an additional 10% off with the promo code HAPPY4TH.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s is holding a clearance sale that will allow you to get up to 50% off select items throughout the store. Some of the specific deals include:

  • BOGO 50% off sandals and flip flops (including Rainbows).
  • Get 25% off Hydroflask water bottles and accessories.
  • BOGO 50% off all outdoor games $19.99 or more.
  • Up to 40% off select outdoor equipment.

Groupon

The deals site lists a variety of patriotic-themed tee-shirts and souvenirs that suggest the prices have been marked down by as much as 84 percent. The site also sells discounted tickets to amusement parks, with savings of up to 50 percent on some venues.

The Home Depot

The retailer will be offering up to 30 off appliances and patio furniture in honor of Independence Day. This is in addition to the 10 percent discount the retailer already offers year-round to current and former members of the military and their families.

Kmart

Kmart is offering up to 40% off pools and 50% off patio furniture. The retailer is also offering great deals on outdoor equipment and clothing. You’ll be able to get an extra 10% off select items throughout the store as well. All discounts are taken at the register.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s is offering up to 35 percent off appliances, including refrigerators, washer and dryer sets, select ranges, microwaves, and wall ovens.

You can also find patio furniture sets for as little as $65, and a two-burner commercial-grade outdoor grill for $249. Other deals include 57-inch tiki torches for $3.98 apiece, hardwood mulch for $3.66 per two cubic feet, and a 5′ x  3′ American flag for $9.97.

Like Home Depot, Lowe’s also offers a 10 discount to current and former members of the military, year-round.

Mattress Deals

For some reason, July 4th serves as a platform for mattress sales. Currently, there are quite a few great mattress sales going on.

  • Amerisleep: With the promo code JULY200, you can purchase a Queen Amerisleep AS3 for $1,199.
  • DreamCloud: Through July 4, get $200 off a DreamCloud mattress.
  • Macy’s: Get a Queen Macybed Lux Coventry Cushion Firm Euro Top for $1,297.
  • Mattress Firm: A Queen Serta iComfort Blue Touch 500 Set at Mattress Firm will only cost you $1,799. This company is also offering a free adjustable base with the purchase of any mattress $599 or more.
  • Nectar: Get $125 off your mattress and two free pillows through July 4.

REI

REI is offering up to a 40% discount on items throughout the store. Some of the specific deals include 20% off bicycles and 25% off hammocks.

Sears

Sears is holding a fantastic sale on appliances for Fourth of July. The retailer is offering up to 50% off select appliances and up to 60% off name brand mattresses. If you order online, you’ll be able to get an additional 10% to 20% off using the promo code FIREWORK.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is holding a four-day sale that will end at midnight on July 5. One-way tickets are starting at just $45. The deal is valid for all domestic travel between 8/21/18 and 12/19/18 and international travel between 8/21/18 and 12/12/18.

Walmart

Highlights of Walmart’s Independence Day sale includes

  • InstantPot Pressure Cooker: Starts at $59.92.
  • Mainstays Four-Piece Patio Set: $199.
  • Linenspa 6-Inch Mattress-in-a-Box: Starts at $85.41.
  • Zinus Spring Support Mattress: $124 and $249.
  • Twin-Sized Bunk Bed Set: $179.99.
  • Char-Broil Two-Burner 300: $209.99.
  • 150-Can Stainless Steel Mini Fridge: $179.99.
  • Coleman Swimming Pool: Starts at $383.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma is offering a hefty discount on its products for July 4th. You’ll be able to get up to 75% off items throughout the store, with an additional 20% off clearance.

Fourth of July Freebies

Blue Star Museums

An initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Museums provides free museum admission to active duty military personnel and their families now through Labor Day. Over 2,000 museums participate. Click on the link above to find ones near you.

Busch Gardens

Active duty military and veterans can get free admission for themselves and three others on July 4 by going to WavesofHonor.com. Free tickets are redeemable at both Tampa Bay and Williamsburg locations.

California’s Great America

Folks with a military ID will be able to get free admission on July 4. Members of the military and veterans will also get up to six additional tickets at a discounted price of $23.99 per ticket.

Cedar Point

Veterans and active military with ID get free admission to Cedar Point in Ohio on Fourth of July. Military friends and family will also receive a discounted ticket price of $44 (up to six people). Cedar Point is also extending this offer to first responders with identification. This includes police officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers.

Dorney Park

On July 4, people with valid military ID will get free admission to Dorney Park in Pennsylvania. You’ll also get up to six discounted tickets for friends or family ($29 each).

Einstein’s Bros. Bagels

Einstein’s Bros. Bagels will be offering a buy one breakfast or lunch sandwich, get one free through the end of the week. You must provide proof of local residence like a driver’s license, library card, or mail. Visit your local Einstein’s for more information.

Hungry Howie’s

Although you aren’t getting it for free – Hungry Howie’s is offering a medium one-topping pizza for $0.04 when you buy a large one-topping pizza at regular price. Orders over $12 will get free Howie bread. Use promo code July418 to take advantage of this deal.

Kings Dominion

Military members, both active and retired, with ID will get free admission to Kings Dominion on until July 8 and free admission to Kings Island until July 4. The theme parks are also offering discounted tickets for military family members.

Logan’s Roadhouse

Logan’s is offering a free meal for both active and retired military members (value of up to $8.99) in Independence Day. The restaurant asks individuals to provide proof of service to redeem this deal.

Major League Baseball

Most major and minor league baseball teams offer military discounts throughout the year. Around Independence Day, current members of the armed forces and veterans can score offer free admission to many teams’ games — and get saluted at some point during the game.

Mimi’s Cafe

Mimi’s is offering customers a free funnel cake topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream with the purchase of an adult entree. All you have to do is ask your server for the free treat and it is yours! This freebie will be available at 11 a.m. on July 4 as long as supplies last (dine-in only).

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Buy any entree the week of 4th of July and get a BOGO offer on your receipt. The coupon can be redeemed the following day and can be used for any sandwich of equal or lesser value.

Quiznos

Toasty Points members will receive a BOGO free offer on BBQ pulled pork subs through July 8.

SeaWorld

Waves of Honor is also offering free tickets for admission to SeaWorld to veterans and military members, plus up to three friends. Tickets are valid at Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego locations through July 4. Get yours at WavesofHonor.com.

Readers, do any of you want to help us out with this — can you please let us know of any other deals and freebies you come across? Please post about them in the comments section beneath this post.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

july deals, july freebies, july 2018 deals

2017 Federal Holiday Schedule

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Federal Holiday schedule 2015
Since not all calendars list the day and date of federal holidays, these are days you’ll want to add to your calendar. There are ten official federal holidays each year. While some remain the same date each year, others may land on a different date or day each year. For those needing to know the federal holidays for 2017, they are listed below.

2017 Federal Holiday Schedule

Keeping up with federal holidays can be a pain but it is important to know when government offices will be closed. The post office and stock market aren’t likely open on these days either:

January 2 (Monday): New Year’s Day Observed
January 16 (Monday): Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 20 (Monday)– Washington’s birthday (commonly referred to as Presidents’ Day)
May 29 (Monday): Memorial Day
July 4 (Tuesday): Independence Day
September 4 (Monday): Labor Day
October 9 (Monday): Columbus Day
November 10 (Friday): Veteran’s Day Observed
November 23 (Thursday): Thanksgiving Day
December 25 (Monday): Christmas Day

Two dates to note in 2017 are New Year’s Day and Veteran’s Day. As a federal holiday, New Year’s Day will be celebrated on January 2 instead of the usual January 1. This is because New Year’s Day lands on a Sunday this year. This is a day many federal employees already get off each week. To ensure they get the day off, federal employees will observe Independence Day the day before, and all non-essential federal employees will have the day off as well. Veteran’s Day falls on a Saturday in 2017 so federal employees will observe the day on Friday, November 10.

A common misconception is that federal holidays are US national holidays which would mean everyone in the US gets the day off. This is not correct. The federal holidays only apply to federal employees. While there are many state and local governments which mirror these holidays, along with private businesses, there is nothing saying any other organization has to follow the federal holiday list. For example, the US stock market is closed most federal holidays, but it does remain open on Columbus Day and Veteran’s Day.

What is Closed on a Federal Holiday?

Due to different holiday schedules for different businesses, there are often some institutions open on federal holidays, while others are closed. The problem is which are open and closed isn’t always the same for each holiday. Some of the establishments you may want to check for each federal holiday include:

  • schools
  • trash service
  • post office / UPS / FedEx
  • banks / credit unions
  • grocery stores
  • dry cleaners
  • retail stores
  • house cleaning services
  • day care services

Another important point to note is those businesses which do remain open on federal holidays often have shorter holiday hours than they would on a typical day. Noting these special hours can be important so that you don’t show up during normal business hours when the places are closed.

There are also some common holidays celebrated in the US which aren’t federal holidays. The following holidays are often celebrated by many in the US, but are not official federal holidays.

February 14 (Tuesday): Valentine’s Day
March 17 (Friday): St. Patrick’s Day
April 16 (Sunday): Easter Sunday
May 14 (Sunday): Mother’s Day
June 18 (Sunday): Father’s Day
October 31 (Tuesday): Halloween

(Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart)

There Are Some Banks and Credit Unions Open on the 4th of July 2015

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Banks and credit unions open on the 4th of July

Since Independence Day is a federal holiday, the vast majority of banks and credit unions are closed, along with some other businesses. There are some exceptions to the rule, however, and there will be a few banks and credit unions with branches open on Friday, July 4, 2015.

Although there are a few banks and credit unions open, these tend to be smaller regional banks or bank branches which happen to be located in grocery stores, which will be open for the holiday. These institutions will also usually be running on shorter holiday hours for the day, not their regular Friday hours. Because they can vary from location to location, if you plan to visit any of the institutions below, call to confirm they will be open and their hours.

Banks Open on 4th of July

  • Central Pacific Bank: CPB is a bank located in Hawaii. They will have select branches open on Independence Day during limited holiday hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • First Convenience Bank: FCB is a bank located in Texas which will have its bank branches on the Fourth of July from the hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Metro Bank: Is a local bank in Harrisburg, PA. Metro will have its drive-thru and its downtown branch open for business for limited hours (from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM) on July 4.
  • PNC Bank: Stand alone branches will be closed, but some PNC branches located in grocery stores will be open for limited hours. These vary depending on the supermarket location, so it’s important to contact that branch directly to confirm the hours.
  • US Bank: US Bank says that some of their grocery store branches will be open for business on Independence Day for limited hours. These will vary, so it’s important to contact your local supermarket branch to confirm if that one will be open and during what hours.

Credit Unions Open on 4th of July

  • Fort Financial Credit Union: This credit union in Indiana has a number of grocery store branches in Meijer supermarkets. These will be open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on July 4, but not the stand-alone branches.
  • Landmark Credit Union: The grocery store branches of this credit union (not stand-alone branches) will be open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the Fourth of July.

It’s important to remember that just because your bank will be closed for the July 4th holiday, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do any banking at all. Many ATMs allow for basic banking transactions to be performed, and ATMs are usually open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have banking tasks to do, you may very well be able to do it through your bank’s ATM.

You can also go online to your bank or credit union’s website where you can also perform many basic banking transactions. If you are unsure of whether or not your bank will be open on Independence Day, the bank’s website will usually have holiday hours listed, plus holidays when branches will be closed. This is a quick and easy way to find out if your local branch will be open or closed.

The following banks will be closed on the Fourth of July:

  • JP Morgan Chase
  • Bank of America
  • Wells Fargo
  • Citigroup
  • HSBC
  • Bank of New York Mellon
  • SunTrust
  • State Street
  • Capital One
  • BB&T
  • Toronto-Dominion
  • Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Regions Financial
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • ING
  • KeyCorp
  • Northern Trust
  • Bank of Montreal
  • Bank of the West
  • Union Bank
  • Allied Irish
  • Comerica
  • Zions Bank

(Photo courtesy of Steve Trottier)

July 4: What’s Open and What’s Closed on Independence Day 2016

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What's open and what's closed on Independence Day
This article has been updated for July 4, 2016

Independence Day is just around the corner. For those who are planning to spend some time away from the backyard barbecue, it’s good to know what businesses are and aren’t open on July 4. With July 4 landing on a Monday this year, it can get a bit confusing as to what will still be open, and what will be closed for the day. As a general rule, retailers will be open (with exceptions) and government offices will be closed for the day. Below you’ll find what is and isn’t open for the Fourth of July in 2016, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with anyplace you plan to go to verify that they will be open, as there can be exceptions.

Major Retail Stores

Most large retail stores are open. Most retailers will be open on July 4, and many of them will be holding special sales over the Fourth of July weekend. This includes stores like Target, Walmart and Home Depot (here’s a larger list). A major exception will be Costco, which won’t open its doors on Independence Day. For those of you planning to shop all the sales, keep in mind that a deal isn’t a deal no matter what the price is, if it’s something you wouldn’t have purchased for full price.

Food and Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. All major grocery store chains will have their stores open on Saturday if you are in the need of some last minute barbecue food for the family. Some will be operating on Sunday or holiday hours rather than their regular Saturday hours, so call ahead if you will be dropping by outside the core daily hours to make sure they will be open. Smaller, independent grocery stores may or may not be open for the day depending on where they are located. You should call to verify if they will be open or not if you plan to stop by one of them.

Drugstores

Drugstores are open. All the major drugstore chains will be open for the holiday. This includes the big three of CVS, Rite-Aide and Walgreens, and they will all likely have sales to coincide with the holiday as well. If you regularly visit a local or independent drugstore, they should be open as well, but it’s best to call and confirm before making a trip to see them.

Government Offices (Federal, State and Local)

Government offices are closed. The vast majority of government offices will be closed on July 2, 3 and 4. Since the fourth lands on a Monday this year, government offices will have a three-day weekend. This includes all non-essential government offices such as courts, departments of motor vehicles and social security offices. They will be closed for the day. Those government offices deemed vital to safety and security such as police departments, fire stations, and air traffic controllers will continue to run.

US Stock Market

Stock markets are closed. It’s going to be a short week for stocks. All US stock markets will be closed on Monday, July 4 for Independence Day. They will also be closed over the weekend, as usual.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. All banks and credit unions will shut down their local branches on Monday July 4, so you need to get any banking that needs to get done at the branch offices done before then.

While the banking branches will be closed for the day, you can still do most basic banking transaction either through the bank’s ATMs or at their website. These run 24/7 and will be working even on the holiday. Just be sure to note any transactions done on the holiday may not post to your account until the next business day.

Post Offices

Post offices are closed. July 4, being an official federal holiday, means post offices will be closed. Mail will also not be delivered on Monday.

Public and Private Schools

Schools are closed. Since July 4 is a time when schools are usually out for summer vacation, this isn’t really an issue for most. It’s good to note, however, that most public and private schools will typically observe federal holidays, and be closed for them.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. The vast majority of libraries will close to observe federal holidays, so they will be closed on Saturday.

Garbage Service

Garbage service is closed. Garbage service won’t be gathering on Monday. Any services expected on Monday will be moved to Tuesday.

Restaurants

In most cases, restaurants are open. Most major restaurant chains will be operating and open on Independence Day. Smaller restaurants which are independently owned may close for the day, so it’s best to contact them directly if you want to dine at them on Monday.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Gas stations should be operating during the day to cater to all those traveling for the holiday weekend. If there’s an exception and one is closed, there should be plenty of others in the area still open, so finding gas shouldn’t be an issue as you travel. Gas stations which are not normally open 24 hours will likely be on holiday or Sunday business hours.

(Photo courtesy of Beverly & Pack)

July 4: What’s Open and What’s Closed on Independence Day 2017

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What's open and what's closed on Independence Day
This article has been updated for July 4, 2017

Independence Day is just around the corner. For those who are planning to spend some time away from the backyard barbecue, it’s good to know what businesses are and aren’t open on Indepedence Day. With July 4 landing on a Tuesday this year, it can get a bit confusing as to what will still be open, and what will be closed for the day. As a general rule, retailers will be open (with exceptions) and government offices will be closed for the day. Below you’ll find what is and isn’t open for the Fourth of July in 2017, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with anyplace you plan to go to verify that they will be open, as there can be exceptions.

Major Retail Stores

Most large retail stores are open. Most retailers will be open on July 4, and many of them will be holding special sales over the Fourth of July weekend. This includes stores like Target, Walmart and Home Depot (here’s a larger list). A major exception will be Costco, which won’t open its doors on Independence Day. For those of you planning to shop all the sales, keep in mind that a deal isn’t a deal no matter what the price is, if it’s something you wouldn’t have purchased for full price.

Food and Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. If you are in the need of some last minute barbecue food for the family, all major grocery store chains will have their stores open on Independence Day. Some will be operating on Sunday or holiday hours rather than their regular hours, so call ahead if you will be dropping by outside the core daily hours to make sure they will be open. Smaller, independent grocery stores may or may not be open for the day depending on where they are located. You should call to verify if they will be open or not if you plan to stop by one of them.

Drugstores

Drugstores are open. All the major drugstore chains will be open for the holiday. This includes the big three of CVS, Rite-Aide and Walgreens, and they will all likely have sales to coincide with the holiday as well. If you regularly visit a local or independent drugstore, they should be open as well, but it’s best to call and confirm before making a trip to see them.

Government Offices (Federal, State and Local)

Government offices are closed. The vast majority of government offices will be closed on Tuesday July 4th, 2017.  This includes all non-essential government offices such as courts, departments of motor vehicles and social security offices. They will be closed for the day. Those government offices deemed vital to safety and security such as police departments, fire stations, and air traffic controllers will continue to run.

US Stock Market

Stock markets are closed. It’s going to be a short week for stocks. All US stock markets will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day. They will also be closed over the weekend, as usual.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. All banks and credit unions will shut down their local branches on Tuesday July 4, so you need to get any banking that needs to get done at the branch offices done before then.

While the banking branches will be closed for the day, you can still do most basic banking transaction either through the bank’s ATMs or at their website. These run 24/7 and will be working even on the holiday. Just be sure to note any transactions done on the holiday may not post to your account until the next business day.

Post Offices

Post offices are closed. July 4, being an official federal holiday, means post offices will be closed.

Public and Private Schools

Schools are closed. Since July 4 is a time when schools are usually out for summer vacation, this isn’t really an issue for most. It’s good to note, however, that most public and private schools will typically observe federal holidays, and be closed for them.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. The vast majority of libraries will close to observe federal holidays, so they will be closed on Tuesday.

Garbage Service

Garbage service is closed. Garbage service won’t be gathering on Tuesday July 4th.

Restaurants

In most cases, restaurants are open. Most major restaurant chains will be operating and open on Independence Day. Smaller restaurants which are independently owned may close for the day, so it’s best to contact them directly if you want to dine at them on Tuesday.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Gas stations should be operating during the day to cater to all those traveling for the holiday weekend. If there’s an exception and one is closed, there should be plenty of others in the area still open, so finding gas shouldn’t be an issue as you travel. Gas stations which are not normally open 24 hours will likely be on holiday or Sunday business hours.

(Photo courtesy of Beverly & Pack)