Labor Day 2018: What's Open And Closed In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for most Americans. It offers one last chance for a vacation on the last long weekend before the weather begins to turn. A federal holiday since 1894, the first Monday in September was originally set aside for parades to honor the American worker and appease the labor movement.

The law designating it as a holiday was quickly pushed through Congress and signed by President Grover Cleveland (in an election year) following a violent end to the Pullman railway strike. But almost 125 years later, the three-day weekend has become known more for barbecues and road trips.

Not everyone has the day off, though. Some businesses will also be offering Labor Day sales or keeping special hours, so call ahead to be sure.

Here's a roundup of what's closed and what'll be open in Evanston, plus a look at some fun events happening in Chicagoland.

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Schools: All schools will be closed for the day, a week after most students had their first day of school.

Local Government: Village Hall and city, county, state and federal government offices will be closed. The Evanston 311 Center will be closed. All community centers in Evanston will be closed Monday. The Chandler-Newberger Center will be closed Saturday to Monday, and the Evanston Ecology Center will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Banks: Most financial institutions will be closed.

Libraries: All Evanston Public Library locations will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Parks: Public swimming beaches in Evanston will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Shopping: Most big-box retailers will be open — and many are offering Labor Day deals — but smaller businesses are be closed, so it's a good idea to call ahead.

Parking: Holiday parking rules will be in place. No street cleaning will take place on Monday. Street cleaning parking restrictions will not be in effect, and meters and downtown parking garages will be free.

Trash pickup: No rubbish or recycling collection will take place Monday in Evanston. All trash, yard waste and recyclables will be picked up one day later than normal. Friday condo recycling collection is set for Friday, Sept. 7.

EVENTS: Fun Things To Do In Illinois On Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day on Metra:

• A $10 weekend pass will include Monday for Labor Day weekend; kids younger than 11 can ride for free.
• On Friday, Aug. 31, Metra operate on an Early Getaway schedule on most lines. (Full schedules are here.) On Monday, Sept. 3, Metra will operate all services on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Metra's SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service lines will not operate on Labor Day.
• No alcohol will be allowed onboard Metra trains after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30 and Friday, Aug. 31, and all day Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2.

TRAVEL: Labor Day Weekend 2018: Worst Times To Travel, Routes To Avoid

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