Often considered one of the most inconsistently celebrated and controversial U.S. holidays, the second Monday in October marks Columbus Day — or Indigenous Peoples Day to some — in Northbrook. Columbus Day, a national holiday since 1937, commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. Before it became a national holiday, it was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century.

However, throughout the holiday's history, many states and U.S. cities have turned to alternative celebrations. Among them is Indigenous Peoples Day, which recognizes the history and contributions of Native Americans to the United States. While Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated in numerous places across the country, others have turned the holiday into an opportunity to celebrate Italian American heritage.