WASHINGTON– The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when activists first tried to establish a day to honor workers.

The first Labor Day celebration in the United States took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City. About 10,000 workers marched in a parade organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor.

In the years that followed, some cities and states began to pass laws recognizing Labor Day, but it took more than a decade before President Grover Cleveland signed an act of Congress in 1894 declaring the first Monday in September a federal holiday.

While many workers have the day off, most large consumer-facing businesses are open and even offer special deals to attract customers.

Here’s what’s open and closed on Labor Day this year:

Authorities, post offices, courts and schools are closed.

The US stock exchanges and banks are closed on Monday.

Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on Labor Day, but some essential services will be available in select locations.

Warehouse membership club Costco will be closed on Labor Day, but the vast majority of major national retailers and grocery stores will be open, with some offering special deals to attract customers. Hours may vary by location, so check with your local store.

Although many schools have resumed classes and the summer travel season is coming to an end, the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 17 million people at airports between Thursday and next Wednesday – a record for the Labor Day period.

According to AAA, domestic travel bookings for the holiday weekend are up 9% from last year, while international travel is down 4%.

If you’re driving, you can enjoy a gas discount compared to last year. According to AAA, the national average was last at $3.44 per gallon, compared to $3.86 a year ago.

The auto club doesn’t offer a full travel forecast for Labor Day, as it does for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. But AAA offers some useful advice for travelers:

— Leave early. Everything will take longer than you expect.

— Be aware of the weather. Even if the skies are clear at home, storms may be present at your flight destination or on your route. Plan an alternative route.

— Be nice. Flight cancellations and traffic jams are frustrating, but you’re not the only one stuck or delayed.