Some call it
Simcoe Day. Others a civic holiday. Whatever you choose to label it, most are just glad to get it.
Welcome to the dog days of August and the long holiday weekend that goes with it. In Toronto, it's named after the man who was the first Lt. Gov. of Ontario, John Graves Simcoe.
None of which may matter much to you, but you'll take the time off it brings. It promises to be a busy weekend filled with Caribana and a host of other events. But if you're not going to the big blowout what else can you do? Plenty. The civic holiday is not a statutory holiday under Ontario's Retail Business Holidays Act. Because this isn't a federal stat, most stores and malls will stay open on the holiday Monday, leaving you a day off and a place to spend money.
Here's a look at what's open and closed.
Saturday and Sunday
It's business as usual, with stores, supermarkets and other services you can normally access on any weekend available everywhere.
Monday, August 3
Open
- Most grocery stores and supermarkets,
- Malls,
- Most LCBO/Beer Stores.
Closed
- Banks,
- Government offices,
- Libraries,
- No mail delivery,
- T.T.C. and GO on holiday schedule.
Caribana
The parade is set to take over the downtown on Saturday, and while the costumes, music and energy will be the same - or better - than years past, there's one addition that has some spectators fuming.
A fence will be erected along Lake Shore Boulevard to keep the crowds from mingling with the mas bands on the route.
Still, that's no reason to miss the party all together. Find out more about the 42nd annual event here:
Scotiabank Caribana Festival.