


Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
International Day of the Nacho: Double dip those delicious chips & dips
Oct. 21 celebrates the “invention” of one of the tastiest snacks around. Oct. 21 is International Day of the Nacho! This annual food holiday celebrates Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, the "Father of the Nacho." In 1943, some military wives headed to the Mexican town of Piedras Negras, across the border from a military base in Eagle Pass, Texas, and headed to a popular restaurant. Legend has it that Maitre D, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, greeted the gals at the door but could not find the co



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Happy Count Your Buttons Day
When it comes to non-traditional holidays, Oct. 21 ranks right up there! Not only is it Reptile Awareness Day and the delicious National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, it is also Count Your Buttons Day! No foolin'! Count Your Buttons Day Like many non-traditional holidays throughout the year, the origins of Count Your Buttons Day are unknown. But nobody is quite sure what on earth the holiday actually means! Today is the perfect day to get out the ole' needle and thread and sew thos



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Reptile Awareness Day: Celebrating and protecting Earth’s creepiest creatures
While Halloween is all about ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches and warlocks, October 21 also celebrates creepy creatures. It’s Reptile Awareness Day, an annual “holiday” that shines the spotlight on reptiles of all shapes and sizes. This annual event not only gives reptile lovers a special day of the year to celebrate reptiles, but also raises awareness about the importance of reptiles and the threats some of them face. From snakes and lizards to tortoises and crocodiles, ther



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
If you love cheesecake, today is your lucky day. Oct. 21 is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day! While the origins of this annual food holiday are unknown, cheesecake lovers don’t really need a special "holiday" to indulge in a slice or two of rich and creamy cheesecake, right? While cheesecake is delicious to eat during any time of the year, just add a bit of pumpkin to the mix, and you’ve got the all-time perfect fall or Thanksgiving dessert. In just in case you have never trie



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Brandied Fruit Day
While its origins are unknown, Oct. 20 is National Brandied Fruit Day! What is brandied fruit? Just add some sugar and a bit of brandy to your favorite ripened fruit and, voila, you have brandied fruit! Just in case you have a little too much brandy today, it's also National Suspenders Day!



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Suspenders Day: Strap on a Pair!
James Bond and Gordon Gekko wore them. Larry King was famous for his. What are they? On the “heels” of Wear Something Gaudy Day and Dress Like a Dork Day, October 20 is National Suspenders Day! While the origins of this fashion-inspired holiday are unknown, the modern day suspenders were “Invented” in the 1820s by Albert Thurston. These once popular clothing accessories, sometimes referred to as braces, also served an important purpose. Constructed from straps of fabric or le



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Dress Like a Dork Day: Famous television and movie dorks
On the “heels” of Wear Something Gaudy Day, October 19 also celebrates fashion. Well, sort of. It’s Dress Like a Dork Day. A dork is defined as someone who is out of touch, a social misfit or someone who tends to look "odd or behave ridiculously around others." This annual holiday celebrates the less-than-fashionable fashion and encourages folks to get their inner dork on! Although the origins of this holiday are unknown, today is a great day to clean out that over-crowded cl



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Rainforest Day: The plight of the world's rainforests
Oct. 19 is Rainforest Day, an annual “holiday” that raises awareness about the importance of rainforests around the globe and the plight they are facing. Rainforests are vital to the animals that live in them and the plants that grow in them. Rainforests are also vital to human beings and the environment. This unique ecosystem is critical to the balance of nature. More than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen is produced in the Amazon Rainforest. But these lush and majestic fore



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Chocolate Cupcake Day
If you love chocolate, and who doesn’t, you’re in luck. Oct. 18 is National Chocolate Cupcake Day! Sweet! While the origins of this food holiday are unknown, Americans celebrate this special day every Oct 18. Folks have been enjoying cupcakes in the U.S. since the 19th century. Cupcakes have come a long way over the years. These mini-cakes are not only delicious to munch on, but are lovely to look at. In fact, some are just too pretty to eat! Whether you prefer yours frosted



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Menopause Day
If you or someone you know is of a "certain age," did you know there is a special day set aside each year to focus on hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and out-of-control hormones? World Menopause Day is an annual event held each October 18th. Launched by the International Menopause Society (IMS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the yearly event helps educate women around the world about the issues of menopause. Menopause, derived from the Greek words meaning “mo



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Ass Day: Embrace the booty & celebrate the junk in the trunk
If you’re a fan of this column, you know we celebrate all kinds of holidays. A special day of the year is here and folks are ready to celebrate the occasion – no ifs, ands or “butts” about it! Don’t get left “behind”, folks. Oct. 17 is National Ass Day in the U.S.A! While the origins of this “holiday” are unknown, this bootilicious event celebrates the derriere. It seems everywhere you turn these days, bodacious bums are in the news. From Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Beyon

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Wear Something Gaudy Day: Wear something loud and stand out in the crowd
If you tend to buck the trends when it comes to fashion and don’t consider yourself a fashionista, today may be your lucky day! October 17 is Wear Something Gaudy Day. This annual “holiday” celebrates fashion that is not quite in style. Wear Something Gaudy Day actually got its start from the hit television sitcom, Three’s Company. One of the actors, Richard Kline, declared October 17th as Wear Something Gaudy Day, and the rest is wacky holiday history! Whether it’s drab or b



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Food Day: Join the WFD movement and help end world hunger
In an effort to raise awareness about hunger, poverty and malnutrition, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched World Food Day (WFD) at its General Conference back in 1979. WFD is an annual, worldwide event observed by 150 nations each October 16. As many Americans enjoy a fabulous meal with friends and family, we often forget about those less fortunate. Did you know more than one billion people around the world are chronically hungry? One billion people! An



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Feral Cat Day (Global Cat Day)
Have you heard the "mews?" Oct. 16 is National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) also known as Global Cat Day, a annual "howliday" that not only raises awareness about the millions of homeless cats living on the street, but also encourages compassionate humane animal control and animal sheltering practices. Purrfect! National Feral Cat Day, launched in 2001, is dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of felines across the country. While millions of lucky felines live long, health



Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Liqueur Day: Homemade Liqueur Recipes
While not much is known about its origins, October 16 is National Liqueur Day. Sometimes referred to as cordials or spirits, liqueur is a delightful concoction of alcohol infused with fruits, flowers, nuts, herbs or spices. Learn how simple it is to make liqueurs out of fruits and berries or herbs and spices. Why not whip up some wonderful homemade spirits and give as holiday gifts this year? Homemade Liqueur Recipes Homemade Cranberry Liqueur – If you love the tasty twang of