Myth: August is the only month without any major holidays in it. Truth: August has plenty of holidays in it…although none we’d call “major.” Here are a bunch of silly observances to look forward to in the comic weeks.
August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Summer has been going on so long that for some people regular old ice cream has gotten boring. Today is the day to mix it up a little with ice cream pressed between two cookies, invented by Forbes Field (it’s in Pittsburgh) ice cream vendor Jerry Newberg in 1945.
August 6: National Mustard Day
If it’s the first Saturday in August, it must be the day to commemorate that yellow (or brown) and spicy (or really) spicy condiment. Sponsored by the National Mustard Museum of Middleton, Wisconsin, since 1991, the official celebration brings in more than 6,000 people each year to try out tons of different kinds of mustard.
August 8: Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
That title is far more honest than “National Zucchini Day.” This time of year is zucchini harvesting time most of the country, and if you’ve ever grown your own zukes, you know that you end up with way more than you can ever use. (There’s always a huge box of them in the break room at the B.R.I.—nobody will own up to bringing them in.) Unless you want to be drowning in summer salads and zucchini bread, you’ve simply got to pass it off to the family next door.
August 10: Lazy Day
We were going to look up who thought of this holiday, but we’re so tired, and there’s a lot of new stuff on Netflix to check out…
August 17: National Thriftshop Day
Likely started by a thrift store that wanted to boost business, it’s a great day to either clear out your closet before the fall, or pick up some “new” (or at least new to you) fall fashions. And they’re usually so cheap (hence the name “thrift” store), and benefit charity.