BOSTON -- About 35,000 Suffolk County employees enjoyed a day off Wednesday for Bunker Hill Day.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that they had plenty of time for a ceremony marking one of the two holidays observed only in Suffolk County. Because of the cost to taxpayers -- that might not be for much longer.

Even though they didn't have to work top lawmakers certainly put on a show. The Statehouse was open Wednesday, but it wasn't a beehive of activity except for a few offices where deadlines loom.

NewsCenter knocked on the Senate president's door to see if she was in, and they were thrilled to prove she was working on the budget. Across the hall, five Republican senators invited reporters to their mini caucus.

"When was the last time you had a caucus on Bunker Hill Day?" Wu asked.

"This is our first caucus on Bunker Hill Day," Sen. Richard Tisei said.

The Senate president, who supports the holiday, popped in on the meeting unannounced.

"I didn't get an invitation. I must be crashing. I'll continue to do the people's work," Sen. Therese Murray said.

Outside of the Statehouse it was a different story. Most other state buildings were shut down for the day. There were a limited number of floors in the Statehouse that were accessible, but you had to be escorted.

"Anybody who works today gets another day off, I believe, under the law," Education Commissioner Richard Freeland said.

And the law isn't changing unless votes taken earlier this year are reversed.

Gov. Deval Patrick, who was holding meetings all day, said if the Legislature changes its mind, however, he'll sign the bill to eliminate the holiday, which he says is not fair.

"Is it fair? Life isn't fair. What are you going to do?" House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Charles Murphy said.