Hey there, Loomis! It’s that time of year again when we get a day off to honor our past presidents. But let’s be real. Most of us just see it as a chance to sleep in or hit the sales. However, Presidents Day has a rich history and some fun facts that might just make you appreciate this holiday a bit more.

The Day That Almost Wasn’t

Originally, Presidents Day was all about George Washington. His birthday on February 22 was first celebrated as a federal holiday back in the 1880s. But then, in 1968, Congress decided to shake things up with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This act moved several holidays to Mondays to give us those sweet, sweet three-day weekends. The idea was to boost productivity by giving workers more time off, but not everyone was on board. Some folks argued that holidays should be celebrated on their actual dates, not just for the sake of a long weekend.

From Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day

Despite the debate, the bill passed, and Washington’s Birthday was moved to the third Monday in February. There was talk of renaming it Presidents Day to include Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday falls on February 12, but Congress said nope. However, the name stuck in popular culture, thanks to retailers who saw an opportunity for sales and the fact that it’s close to Lincoln’s birthday. So, while it’s officially still Washington’s Birthday, we all call it Presidents Day.

A Day for All Presidents

Now, Presidents Day isn’t just about Washington or Lincoln. It’s become a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents. Think about it: from Washington setting the tone for presidential leadership to Lincoln navigating the Civil War and ending slavery to Roosevelt steering the country through the Great Depression and WWII, each president has left a mark on our nation’s history. This holiday gives us a moment to reflect on their contributions.

Presidential Parks and Fun Facts

Did you know that there are 35 parks named after American Presidents? Here are some fun tidbits:

• Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer before he got into politics. Imagine if he had stuck with peanuts; we might have had a different kind of White House.
• Gerald R. Ford is the only president to have served as a park ranger. Talk about a unique resume!
• Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the first national park. So, next time you’re enjoying nature, thank President Grant.
• Theodore Roosevelt has the most parks named in his honor, with Lincoln coming in a close second. Roosevelt’s love for the outdoors is legendary.
• Adams National Historical Park was the birthplace of not one but two presidents: John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Talk about a family affair!
• The most recent presidential birthplace added to the National Park System? That would be William Jefferson Clinton.

What’s Open and What’s Closed?

On Presidents Day, federal offices, schools, and many businesses close. But here’s the good news for Loomis locals:

• National Parks: Many parks offer free admission on this day, so it’s a perfect time to explore our local treasures.
• Retail: Stores love Presidents Day. Expect sales, especially on big-ticket items like appliances and furniture.
• Banks: Most banks will be closed, so plan your errands accordingly.
• Mail: No mail delivery, so if you’re waiting for that package, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Celebrating in Loomis

So, what can you do in Loomis to celebrate Presidents Day? Here are some ideas:

• Visit a Park: Take advantage of the fee-free day at our national parks. Maybe head to the nearby Folsom Lake State Recreation Area or even drive a bit further to Yosemite.
• Local History: Check out local historical sites or museums. Maybe there’s a story or two about how presidential policies have influenced Loomis.
• Community Events: Look for local events or parades. Sometimes, small towns like ours have their own unique ways of celebrating.
• Relax: Or, you know, just enjoy the day off. Sleep in, have a barbecue, or binge-watch your favorite show. After all, that’s what long weekends are for, right?

Presidents Day might not be the flashiest holiday, but it’s got its charm. It’s a reminder of the leaders who’ve shaped our country and a chance for us to enjoy a little extra time off. So, whether you’re out exploring or just chilling at home, take a moment to appreciate the history behind the holiday. And hey, if you see a good deal on a mattress or a washing machine, you know what to do. Happy Presidents Day, Loomis!

Sources: britannica.com, nationalparks.org, livemint.com
Header Image Source: Benjamin Ashton on Unsplash