We are going to visit NYC in October and I didn't realize that it will be a holiday on Monday Oct 13. I'ts our Canadian Thanksgiving, but I had no idea it was a holiday in the USA. Will everything be closed? Will the stores be open? and will the transit be on a holiday schedule?
Yikes, and what about the parade? Will the city be mobbed with people? and will we even be able to get close to the parade? I can't find out any info on the web as to what time it starts.
This was not planned, but it may be a very exciting time to be there!
Any help is appreciated.

Stores will be open. While the subways are probably on a holday/weekend schedule, you'll have no problem getting around.
While there will be crowds, you should be able to see the parade without any problem.

I thought the only people who got Columbus Day off anymore were govt employees.

That is a long weekend here, so alot of people will get out of town for the weekend.

A couple of MUST sees would be the outdoor sculpture garden on the top of the Met Museum, the colors of the park will be dazzling.

Walk around the park too see the fall colors right at our door step.

Have a lovely time while you are here.

The parade should not impact on your visit. Stores are open and it is a regular work day so bus and trains will run on a normal schedule. The parade route will be crowded in the 40'sand low 50's. The further uptown you go the less crowded it will be.

Rob, or anyone else. What is the parade route? And what's in the parade? And what time is it?

Thank you all so very much. I really appreciate the info. It is my niece's dream to visit NYC, so we are very excited and are really looking forward to our trip.
Wantsomesun, thanks for the idea to see the sculpture garden. It sounds beautiful.
Patrick, I did find out on a web site that the parade is on Fifth Ave from 44th to 79th. But I still haven't been able to find the time.
Thanks again.

Kodi, Columbus Day is a huge SALE day. Banks and schools are closed. It is not like either of our Thanksgivings. Get a newpaper like the Daily News and get a last minute coupon.

The parade starts at noon. It's put on by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, an Italian-American group. Last year there was a big fuss because they said Mayor Bloomberg had insulted Italian-Americans by inviting an actress from the Sopranos to walk with him. It was amusing as they went back and forth ... Italian-American club: he can still come but she can't ... Mayor Bloomberg: I'm not coming if my friend can't come, etc. In the end he didn't go.

http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/pa...nframeset.html

Constance and Jean, thanks for the additional information. Looks like we'll be able to catch some of the parade before we have to head for the airport. And hopefully we'll have some time to do some power shopping if we get to the stores right at opening time.