Labor Day 2018: What's Open And Closed In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, 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 Highland Park, as well as a look at some fun events happening around 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: City Hall and city, county, state and federal government offices will be closed.
Banks: Most financial institutions will be closed.
Libraries: The Highland Park Public Library will be closed Sunday and Monday.
Park District Facilities: The Centennial Ice Area and West Ridge Center will be closed Saturday through Monday. Deer Creek Racquet Club will be closed Sunday and Monday, the Heller Nature Center building, the Hidden Creek AquaPark will be closed Monday. Other facilities will be open.
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: Monday is considered a "Parking Holiday" in Highland Park and Highwood.
Trash pickup: No garbage or recycling collection will take place Monday. All residential waste and recyclables will be picked up one day later than normally scheduled in Highland Park and Highwood.

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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