Because Juneteenth is relatively new as a federal holiday, some people still don’t know which services will stay open and which will close.
Held on June 19 every year, Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States. This year, Juneteenth falls on a Friday. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
Here’s what you need to know about Juneteenth and the businesses that are closed on the federal holiday.
Is Juneteenth a paid holiday in Iowa?
Iowa is one of 17 states that do not recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Instead, it is recognized as an observance.
What is Juneteenth?
The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865 — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation — when the Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with 2,000 troops and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
The 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on Jan. 31, 1865, eradicating slavery across the United States. But still, Black people who were enslaved in the westernmost Confederate states were not immediately freed.
Are banks in Iowa open on Juneteenth?
Since Juneteenth is a federal holiday, most branches of national banks such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citibank, among others, will be closed on June 19.
The branches of West Bank, Bank Iowa, GreenState Credit Union, Farmers State Bank, Heartland Bank, Iowa State Bank, Iowa Trust & Savings Bank and Farmers & Merchants will be closed on Juneteenth, according to the banks’ respective websites.
If your bank is not on this list, Iowans should contact their branch to confirm holiday hours.
Is the post office open on Juneteenth?
The United States Postal Service will be closed on June 19, as Juneteenth is observed as a federal holiday. There will be no regular residential or business mail deliveries. Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.
Is UPS open on Juneteenth?
UPS pickup and delivery services will be available on Juneteenth, according to the company’s website. UPS Store locations will also be open. Check with your local store for specific hours of operation.
Is FedEx open on Juneteenth? Will packages be delivered?
FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on June 19, according to the company’s website. FedEx Office locations will also be open.
Are grocery stores and retailers open on Juneteenth?
Most grocery stores like Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods will be open for Juneteenth.
It’s recommended to check with your local store for specific hours, as they may vary by location.
Is there garbage pickup on Juneteenth?
There are no garbage collection delays on Juneteenth in the city of Des Moines, according to the city’s public works website. Garbage, recycling and yard waste should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your normal pickup day.
Communities served by Metro Waste Authority will also have pickup on Juneteenth, according to its website.
Are the libraries open on Juneteenth?
All Des Moines Public Libraries locations will be closed on June 19, according to its website. The Ankeny and West Des Moines libraries will remain open, according to their holiday hours.
Is the stock market open on Juneteenth?
No. The stock market is closed on Juneteenth, meaning the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are closed on June 19.
USA TODAY national trending news reporter Gabe Hauari and Des Moines Register growth and development reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What’s closed on Juneteenth in Iowa? Check banks, post office, stores.
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
