Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Coming Out Day: Equal Rights For All Regardless Who We Love
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, an annual international human rights awareness “holiday” that not only celebrates those who have publicly disclosed being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), but also promotes the need for a safe environment for those who come out and live openly. On this day in 1987, an estimated 500,000 people took part in the historic March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Psychologist Rob Eichberg and activist Jean O'Leary cre
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Cake Decorating Day
When it comes to October holidays, Oct. 10 is the icing on the cake! Literally! Not only is it National Angel Food Cake Day, it's also National Cake Decorating Day! Sweet! Whether you consider yourself a novice, pro or somewhere in between, today is the perfect time to try your “hand” at sprucing up an otherwise ho-hum cake. Whether you use homemade frosting or store-bought, sparkly sprinkles, colorful candies or other fun decorations, you can go all out and create an elabora
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Mental Health Day
In an effort to raise awareness about mental illness, Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. First observed in 1992, the annual “holiday” also brings attention to the lack of resources devoted to mental health services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), budgets devoted to mental health is considered “inadequate.” Over 450 million people around the world suffer from mental disorders. One in four people will require some sort of mental health care during their life
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Pierogi Day
You say ‘Pierogy,’ they say ‘Pierogi." Regardless how you spell it, October 8 is National Pierogy Day, a day dedicated to the delightful dumplings filled with all sorts of deliciousness. Pierogies These fabulous Polish treats can be baked, fried, boiled, grilled, microwaved or cooked in a crock-pot. The pasta shells are stuffed with all sorts of fillings including meat, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese, veggies, fruit or a delightful combination of fillings. Not only are
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Frappe Day
If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up today, you’re in luck! It's National Frappe Day. Traditionally made with coffee, milk and vanilla ice cream, folks have been enjoying this foamy, chilled beverage for decades. Mixed with a cocktail shaker, blender, mixer or frappe maker, today’s frappes are available in a slew of delicious flavors. While the origins of this food holiday are unknown, National Frappe Day is observed annually on October 4 or October 7, depending on which
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Happy Bathtub Day: Famous and infamous bathtubs
Rub-a-dub-dub, it's time for a scrub! Hip hip hooray, October 7 is Bathtub Day! Not to be confused with National Read in the Bathtub Day, observed in February, or National Bathtub Party Day which is held in December, this annual event commemorates the day the bathtub was introduced in England back in 1828. In honor of Bathtub Day, why not skip the shower and go for the tub? Today is the perfect time to light (turn on) a few flameless candles, grab a glass of your favorite bub
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Mad Hatter Day
Today’s holiday celebrates a famous fictional character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” book. It's time to grab your top hat and get ready to get your nonsense on! October 6 is Mad Hatter Day! Legend has it a group of bored computer techies came up with the idea back in 1986 and over the years, the holiday grew in popularity. Not only is October 6 six months from the silliest day of the year, April Fool’s Day, but John Tenniel’s illustration of the Ma
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Do Something Nice Day: A little kindness can make someone's day
When it comes to holidays, Oct. 5 has a little something for everyone. Besides World Teachers' Day and National Apple Betty Day, today is also Do Something Nice Day! Let's be honest - most of us are overworked, underpaid and just plain stressed out! But instead of dwelling on the negative, today is the perfect day to focus on the positive. While the origins of this annual "holiday" are unknown, a simple gesture or a kind word may just make someone's day. It's important to kee
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Teachers' Day: Celebrating Educators Around the World
A very special occasion that recognizes some of the most important people in our children’s lives is here. It's World Teachers’ Day (WTD), an annual occasion observed each year on Oct. 5. World Teachers’ Day, created in 1994 by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), celebrates the amazing men and women around the world who dedicate their lives to educating children. Each year, many countries take part in the annual event by participatin
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Apple Betty Day
Today is all about apples. Besides World Teachers' Day (teachers like apples, you know), Oct. 5 is also National Apple Betty Day. First mentioned in print in 1864, Apple Betty has been served up for more than one hundred years. Who can resist a warm treat comprised of the perfect combination of tart but sweet apples covered in rolled oats, butter, sugar and spices topped with a dab or two of ice cream or whipped cream? Simple and affordable to make, this classic dessert is al
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Taco Day
Have you heard the latest? A delightfully delicious food holiday is a few hours away and Americans are in the “moooood” to celebrate! Oct. 4 is National Taco Day in the U.S.A which means free and really, really cheap tacos for hungry Americans. In fact, some refer to this delicious day as Free Taco Day. While the origins of this annual occasion are unknown, National Taco Day celebrates all things tacos. This popular Mexican dish, typically comprised of folded or rolled torti
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
International Toot Your Flute Day celebrates you and all your fabulousness
While holidays celebrate all sorts of special occasions, famous people, fabulous food and super-duper inventions, today’s holiday celebrates that very special person in your life - you! Oct. 4 is International Toot Your Flute Day, an annual holiday dedicated just to you. In our hustle-and-bustle society, there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. Between the kids, chores, work, family and a slew of never-ending activities, who has time for primping and pa
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Vodka Day: Raise your cocktail glass & celebrate like James Bond
Get ready to raise your cocktail glass, America. Oct. 4 is National Vodka Day! While the origins of this holiday are unknown, this super smooth drink is nearly tasteless, odorless and colorless, making it the perfect spirit for mixers. Vodka, which means “water” in Russian, can be made out of just about anything that can be fermented including potatoes, grains, grapes or beets? Add a bit of water, filter and voila. You can even make your own, one-of-a-kind vodka infusions. I
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Boyfriend Day: Celebrate that special man in your life
If you’re a fan of this column, you know we celebrate all sorts of holidays. From traditional and non-traditional, to downright wild and wacky, holidays are all the rage these days and Oct. 3 is no exception! While the origins are unknown, today celebrates that special fella in your life. Hip hip hooray - it’s National Boyfriend Day in the U.S.A. Whether you’ve known him for a few months or most of your life, it’s time to pull out all the stops and pamper Mr. Right right now!
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Name Your Car Day: What’s your car’s name?
Whether you are a bona fide collector or simply have a hankerin’ for cars and trucks, today is right up your alley! Besides National Custodial Workers Recognition Day and World Farm Animals Day, Oct. 2 is also (National) Name Your Car Day! Whether you own a classic convertible, a brand spankin’ new pick-up truck, magnificent muscle car or a well-loved, old beater, many auto enthusiasts name their cars, trucks, motorcycles and/or boats. In fact, more than 25 percent of motoris
