Celebrate the famous Italian explorer. Today, October 8, a celebration of Christopher Columbus will be held in the park located at 100 Atlantic Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festivities will start with a parade followed by a ceremony at the statue. For the rest of the day, there will be family events and performances.

What's open today? It's a federal holiday so post offices, schools and libraries are closed. Much more that you might expect will be open including the stock market, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, retail stores (if the owners choose) and liquor stores. Best part about a federal holiday in Boston? There's free parking at all city meters.

Trick or Treat: Have you put out your Halloween decorations yet? If you want to start fresh, buy some of the pumpkins, gourds and mums for sale at 1 800 Flowers on Hanover Street.  

This day in history: On October 8, 1919, the first transcontinental air race in the United States began. Sixty-three planes competed in the round-trip race between California and New York.