October Calendar

October 2025
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			1 NATIONAL "JIFFY" MIX DAY NATIONAL "JIFFY" MIX DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL "JIFFY" MIX DAY October 1 is officially National "JIFFY" Mix Day, a celebration of one of America’s most beloved baking brands. Whether you know it from the iconic blue box in your pantry or from the scratch-quality results it delivers in professional kitchens, "JIFFY" Mix has been a trusted name in baking for nearly a century. #NationalJIFFYMixDay National "JIFFY" Mix Day is more than just a celebration of a product—it’s a tribute to American ingenuity, resilience, and the joy of sharing food. It’s a chance to reflect on how a simple idea born in a small-town kitchen became a national icon, feeding families and communities for generations. This new annual observance honors the legacy, innovation, and community spirit behind the brand that has brought generations of families—and foodservice professionals—together through the simple joy of baking. It also shines a light on the brand’s dual identity: beloved by home bakers and trusted by food service professionals alike. Whether you’re making cornbread for a holiday meal or prepping hundreds of servings in a commercial kitchen, "JIFFY" is there to make it easier—and more delicious. NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL BLACK DOG DAY National Black Dog Day on October 1st encourages the adoption of a dog in the darker shades. Unfortunately, black dogs are less likely to be adopted for no other reason than their coloring. Regardless of behavior, size, breeding, personality, or age, the phenomenon persists. You’ll find their behavior is no different from dogs of a different color. They fetch, play, and wag their tails just the same. Of course, they also come in short hair, long-haired and shaggy breeds, too. Do you like a floppy-eared pup? Every ear, tail, bark, and size comes in some beautiful shade of black. Big paws and little paws, too. Not only do they come in every shape and size, but they all need forever homes. Their temperament ranges just like any other color of a dog. Breeding and previous care affect how they respond. If you want to add a canine companion to your pack, consider adopting one with an ebony sheen. Their loyalty is no less or more than another dog, but they need a home, too. NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY On the first Wednesday in October, National Coffee with a Cop Day brings men and women in uniform together with their communities to connect over a cup of joe. Inspired by the cliche about officers and their coffee shop donuts, the national observance encourages communities to sponsor an event that will bring citizens and those on patrol together. The events provide an opportunity for open dialogue and improve communication. They also break down barriers and create a valuable bridge to relationships in our communities. When officers hear their community’s needs from the people themselves, they’re better able to support them. The community as a whole will also be able to see officers as approachable and their ally in protecting and caring for their communities. NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY National Fire Pup Day on October 1st recognizes the canine firefighters that have long been members of fire departments across the country. While the Dalmation’s origin is unknown, their use in firehouses began during the 1700s. Trained as a carriage dog, the Dalmatian’s agility transferred quickly to horse-drawn fire engines. Even though Dalmations weren’t the only dogs fit for carriage work, they were the ones who mostly filled the role of fire dogs. They were also easily identified by their spotted and speckled coats. In the days of the horse-drawn fire carts, they provided a valuable service, having a natural affinity to horses. The Dalmatian’s duty was to run alongside the horses. They ran in front of or beneath the wagon axles clearing the way. Long after the red engines replaced horse-drawn wagons, the Dalmatian remains a recognizable tradition in fire stations across the country. These energetic firehouse mascots serve to educate the public about fire safety. They also represent past fire pups in honor of their heroism. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFirePupDay Learn more about fire pup history. Visit rover.com to learn more. Use #NationalFirePupDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origin of this fire-fighting heritage day. NATIONAL GREEN CITY DAY NATIONAL GREEN CITY DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL GREEN CITY DAY #NationalGreenCityDay There are so many exciting innovations that cities across the country are implementing to become eco-friendly. This National Day gives everyone the chance to highlight milestones addressing the issue of climate change. The day also encourages people to share various eco-friendly ideas and solutions to meet the need of sustainable urban planning. What is a green city? Also known as a sustainable city, a green city is a city that is addressing social, environmental, and economic impacts through building eco-friendly alternatives by removing harmful chemicals and waste from communities. While ways to help the planet is essential to sustainability, reducing costs and creating a vibrant culture for citizens are equally important. Through planned infrastructure, green cities can leave behind a net zero footprint for a more sustainable world and create vibrant, healthier spaces for everyone. Why are green cities important? According to a recent UN report, around 2.5 billion more people will be living in cities by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning and public services. Green cities: Lower emissions. Conserve energy. Reduce waste. Ensure rich biodiversity. Increase housing density and improve public health. Encourage the development of sustainable local businesses. Becoming A Green City Cities across the world are implementing changes to become more eco-friendly for future generations. As population increases, so does the emission of pollution. By supporting efforts and everyone doing their part, cities are learning to live more sustainably and preserve their natural resources. The future is urban and sustainability is the way forward. Urban Green Spaces Maintaining parks, wetlands, open green spaces, hiking trails, community, and rooftop gardens are all ways to bring nature into the city. Fortunately, cities have dedicated green spaces that bridge the gap between urban and natural environments. Urban green spaces can boost mental/physical health while reducing the effects of heat, pollution, and traffic noise. These spaces also support greater urban biodiversity by providing safe refuge and food for local wildlife. Transportation Improving transportation options in a city promotes green city living. Cities can repair or create new bike paths to encourage biking to destinations rather than driving. Public transportation companies can support green living by investing in clean technology for trains and buses. In addition, public transportation can reevaluate their routes to meet the needs of pollution laws and still serve commuters effectively. Solar Energy Increasing use of solar panels to produce energy will reduce the number of emissions from fossil fuels. They can also help alleviate the damage of smog, acid rain, and contaminated water sources. In addition, renewable energy projects increase city resilience by reducing dependence on the grid in times of natural disasters. In fact, many cities are offering bulk purchasing options, lowering the cost for everyone involved. Waste Management For a city to be successful at becoming a green city, urban dwellers must participate in the process and rethink buying habits. Several cities have already banned the use of plastic straws, plastic bags, and plastic foam products (Styrofoam). You can help by reducing your household plastic consumption and reusing as much as possible. When recycling, remember to place your items in the appropriate bins. The most successful green cities have reliable drop-off locations that are not only convenient, but easy to access. Green cities have location drop offs for: Paper Plastic Cans Electronics Food waste GO GREEN Bike to work to save money, time, and the environment. Green your rooftop or balcony by adding plants. Create outdoor spaces to promote physical activity. Shop at a farmers’ market or start a community garden in your neighborhood. Support preservation of natural habitats and landscapes. Make a plan to go plastic-free. Carpool to reduce vehicle emissions. Enjoy an outdoor picnic and collect natural items that can be used for a fun art project. Organize your own event at a local park and celebrate all the ways your city is going green. Recycle and reuse. Volunteer to clean up your local park or waterways Start a movement to build a green city block. Share and tag #NationalGreenCityDay on ways you are contributing to a more sustainable world. More Eco-Friendly Ideas Become a City Scientist at Home (in collaboration with National Geographic). Advocate for reduced light pollution and bird friendly glass on city buildings. Sign up to take the City Nature Challenge to document wildlife in your city. Build an insect hotel. Create an urban butterfly sanctuary by adding milkweed to gardens or balconies. BEHIND THE ECO-FRIENDLY DAY In 2022, Mio Reggio LLC founder Monica Tierney and National Day Calendar collaborated to create National Green City Day. The day promotes the progress cities are making to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. Mio Reggio LLC is a company that provides educational materials and blocks for children ages 3 and up. Their mission is to connect children to sustainability and creativity through open-ended play. Mio Reggio products support sensory development, spatial awareness, and a connection to nature. According to Mio Reggio LLC, children today rarely explore outdoors and are missing out on an appreciation for nature. Children who spend time outside develop better: Cognitive skills Physical strength Emotional skills Mental health Creative ideas and critical thinking Self-regulation Verbal development Mio Reggio believes in children’s role as global citizens and their ability to give shape to the green city movement. We are all citizens of a city. The city, which is both theirs and ours, is a place always in the process of becoming. We should not resist the new, attempting to preserve a world that we know is destined to disappear….what we can do, and in a certain way, must do, together with the children, is to give shape to this evolution. ~Carla Rinaldi Good Housekeeping awarded Mio Reggio LLC the 2021 Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Award for their Green City Blocks product. They have currently listed them as one of the 25 green companies to know. NATIONAL HAIR DAY NATIONAL HAIR DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL HAIR DAY On October 1st, National Hair Day gives the nod to all the styles, products, tools, and people who keep our hair healthy and looking its best. When the clothes don’t fit, or you’re running late, it’s always nice to know your hair looks great. Whether we are seeking a new cut or we’ve found the perfect one, we want to keep it looking as fresh as it was when we left the salon. The right styling tools and hair care products go a long way toward maintaining a healthy, luxurious hairstyle. When is National Clean Beauty Day? From fine and thin to thick and course, there are products out there to curl, straighten, repair, lift, enrich, volumize, moisturize, restore, hold and sculpt! Creating unique hairstyles is an art form and health regime, too. During this fashionable observance, put your best style forward. Let no wind, no storm hold you back! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHairDay Let your hair be your crowning glory. What’s your favorite hair routine? Give a shout-out to your stylist or seek a new look. Explore the latest haircare products to keep your hair the healthiest it can possibly be. We all know what a good cut and style can do for our attitude. Share your favorite hairstyles, tools, and hair care products using #NationalHairDay on social media. NATIONAL HAIR DAY HISTORY NuMe founded National Hair Day on October 1, 2017, celebrating styling tools and hair care products that make our hair outstanding allowing us to feel our most beautiful selves. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Hair Day to be observed annually beginning in 2017. NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIES DAY NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIES DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIES DAY National Homemade Cookies Day is observed annually on October 1. If you are looking for an excuse to bake some homemade cookies, look no further. Package them up and share them with neighbors, co-workers, and friends! Can you smell them now? Will it be peanut butter, chocolate chip, or snickerdoodle? Whatever the recipe you mix up, enjoying them fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk and family will make National Homemade Cookies Day even better. Experiment by trying a new recipe or maybe an old one to share fond memories with the next generation. Cookie Baking Tips Use these tips to make your next batch of homemade cookies the best batch ever: Most cookie recipes have butter or a fat component. The butter should be soft, but cool, almost room temperature. Cream the butter and sugar together to create a smooth, fluffy mixture, so the sugar isn’t grainy. Beat in each egg separately. Use proper measuring cups for the job. Liquid measuring cups are larger than the amount needed, clear with lines for visual confirmation of the amount of liquid, and have a spout for pouring. Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the top with the exact amount. Measure your flour correctly. Don’t scoop the flour out of the container. It will pack too much into the cup. Use a spoon to lightly sift the flour into the measuring cup, then carefully level the excess off with the edge of a knife. Line metal baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from spreading too far. Or, use a baking stone to have evenly baked cookies every time. HOW TO OBSERVE #HomemadeCookiesDay Bake some homemade cookies. One of the best ways is to bake with family or friends. That’s how it becomes a celebration. When we share in the goodness of a recipe and bake with love, every day is a celebration. That’s why we Celebrate Every Day®! Bake one of your family favorites or try one of these tasty recipes. There are also several listed on the National Day Calendar recipes pages, too! Beth’s Spicy Oatmeal Cookies Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Monster Chip Cookies Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies Use #HomemadeCookiesDay to post on social media. NATIONAL HOMEMADE COOKIE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of the sweet cookie holiday. NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY The first Wednesday in October offers up the seasonal delight, National Pumpkin Seed Day! As the temperatures cool and the leaves turn, snack on these delicious tidbits. Many of us have fond memories of roasting these delicious nuggets after carving the Jack o’ lantern. However, we never realized just how good (and good for us) they were. Surprisingly, pumpkin seeds have been valued for their dietary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been traced back as far as 7000 BC, according to archeologists excavating a tomb in central Mexico. Nutritional Powerhouse Among other civilizations, the Aztecs and Mayans were believed to revere pumpkin seeds as an essential and powerful source of food and nutrition. As it turns out they were on to something – In comparison to other nuts and seeds, Pumpkin Seeds are one of the most nutritious plant-based foods. A quarter-cup serving alone includes an immune-boosting 17% of an adult’s daily allowance of zinc and a robust red blood cell-supporting 15% of the iron needed. This little seed also has a whopping 8.5 grams of complete plant-based protein in just 1 ounce. Ounce for ounce, that’s 2.5 times more protein than a hard-boiled egg. These flavorful bites have much more to offer including a plentiful helping of minerals with over 40% of the RDI of magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, essential nutrients that aid in overall body function. Pumpkin seeds without shells, also known as pepitas, provide an even better standalone snack. Pepitas are especially delicious when dry roasted. Try adding savory seasonings, too. They also make great additions to salads, oatmeal, and even ice cream. Mix them into baked goods for added crunch or to granola and bars for extra protein. Don’t hesitate to elevate a savory dish to a new level by creating a pesto with pumpkin seeds. NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY What do cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and October 1 have in common? They are all part of National Pumpkin Spice Day. We divide the world into factions. Left vs. right. Solar vs. gas. Privacy vs. freedom of information. But if you really want to turn a conversation on its head, divide the room into pumpkin spice vs. anti-pumpkin spice. Right about the time school starts (and some of them start in early August), pumpkin spice lovers begin waxing poetically about fall and their favorite flavor. It’s not all on the shoulders of the pumpkin spice lover, though. Coffee shops, bakeries, and stores on every corner begin selling their pumpkin spice merchandise. Pumpkin spice ushers in the savory-sweet season of autumn like no other spice combination does. It conjures up images of fall foliage littering paths on a cool morning. But pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor – it’s a personal style. The burnt umber, harvest gold, and cinnamon toast sprinkles home décor, apparel, and even decorates parties and weddings. When you boil it down, though, pumpkin spice comprises wholesome ingredients that remind us of a warm hearth and the bounty of the harvest. What could be better than that? HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPumpkinSpiceDay These days, pumpkin spice can be celebrated in any number of ways. We even offer a list to get you started. Mix up your own pumpkin spice blend using cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Bake a pumpkin pie. Experiment with pumpkin spice flavor in your favorite baked goods recipes. Try this Pumpkin Bread recipe. Slip into the nearest coffee shop for their best pumpkin spice brew. However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalPumpkinSpiceDay on social media. NATIONAL PUMPKIN SPICE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this national day. There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®! NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY October 1, 2025 NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY The first Wednesday in October makes a perfect time to celebrate National Walk to School Day. Not only does the day encourage getting some exercise, but the weather is perfect for walking to school, too. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It isn’t hard on our joints and feet like running and jogging but still gives us all the advantages. The goal of this day is to raise awareness and support for the health, community and environmental benefits of regularly walking or biking to school. HOW TO OBSERVE #WalkToSchoolDay Walk to school or work. Enjoy the weather. Take photos and post on social media using #WalkToSchoolDay. NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY HISTORY Organized by the Partnership for a Walkable America, Walk to School Day in the USA began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities. RANDOM ACTS OF POETRY DAY RANDOM ACTS OF POETRY DAY October 1, 2025 RANDOM ACTS OF POETRY DAY Random Acts of Poetry Day on the first Wednesday in October encourages outbursts of poetry. The day for poets and poet wannabes spreads random poetry through art, the written word, and voice. It seems that since the beginning of time, people throughout the world have been expressing themselves through poetry. Known for its distinctive style and rhythm, this genre of literature offers a great way to express feelings and ideas. • • • • • • • • • • •	2 NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY October 2, 2025 NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY On October 2nd, National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day encourages appreciation to the employees who keep our schools and workplaces across the nation running smoothly. Custodial workers operate behind the scenes. They are often under-appreciated for the hard work they do day after day, too. These are the personnel keeping schools, hospitals, office buildings, museums, churches, and other buildings clean and well maintained. While delivering outstanding services and running a well-maintained building, they contribute to critical first impressions and the success of any business. They’re the people we call on to give our brick and mortar businesses a polished look. The bank, schools, and office buildings look organized and presentable because custodial workers efficiently keep everything in top condition. Additionally, their skill saves businesses and organizations money. Well-maintained carpets and surfaces last longer. Seasonal updates and maintenance help buildings to run more efficiently, too. Custodial workers make sure buildings are ready for each season and running correctly. As a result, the buildings are safer and healthier for those entering them. They also free-up time for the rest of the organization to focus on growing a business, teaching students, or caring for others. The work is physically demanding. Depending on the position, custodial workers may work varying shifts and possibly in several locations. They may be part of a team or work independently. No matter where they work, this day recognizes their dedication and hard work. NATIONAL FRIED SCALLOPS DAY NATIONAL FRIED SCALLOPS DAY October 2, 2025 NATIONAL FRIED SCALLOPS DAY Right at the beginning of National Seafood Month, National Fried Scallops Day serves up a seafood dish enjoyed across the country. October 2nd each year brings scallop fans together to celebrate their favorite dishes. The word scallop refers to the common name applied to many species of marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pectinidae. Every ocean in the world provides habitat for these mollusks, too. When is National Shrimp Day? In fact, many areas of the world prize scallops as a food source. The name scallop applies to the meat of the scallops when it is used as seafood. The tender meat is harvested in a variety of sizes. Larger medallions grill deliciously over an open flame. Smaller scallops pair nicely in soups or pasta. However, this tender and prized meat requires very little season and often takes center stage of a meal. Like many types of seafood, cooks should be careful not to overcook. The meat becomes tough and rubbery. However, when cooked to just done, the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender. In the United States, we consume three types of scallops: sea scallops, bay scallops and calico scallops. The flavor and versatility of scallops leads us to celebration! NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY October 2, 2025 NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY National Name Your Car Day on October 2nd encourages a special commitment to your wheels. It’s time to give your trusty automobile what it really needs, a name. Many of you most likely remember Herbie the Love Bug, Lightning McQueen from Cars, Kit from Knight Rider, General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard and Bandit from Smokey and the Bandit. These are just some of the famous car names that are known by millions of people. Make a day of it. Take the ol’ jalopy out for a spin, a nice wash, and shine and then just maybe you will select a signature meant for one so reliable. After all, you spend all that time together and take such good care of each other, isn’t it time to give those four wheels a name? NATIONAL PRODUCE MISTING DAY NATIONAL PRODUCE MISTING DAY October 2, 2025 NATIONAL PRODUCE MISTING DAY National Produce Misting Day on October 2nd recognizes the innovation of keeping fruits and vegetables fresh. Misted fingertips rest assured that produce remains crisp, plump, hydrated and nutrient-dense. Given a choice between fresh and tired produce, we choose fresh every time. After all, who wants dried-out veggies. Before automatic misting systems, grocers threw away too much dated product. No one likes to waste food, especially those in the business. As a solution, grocers soaked burlap potato sacks in water. At night, they laid them over their stock. The wet sacks prevented the fruits and vegetables from drying out. They even applied this technique to cheeses. While this nightly task worked, it was labor-intensive. There had to be a better way. Eventually, there was. In 1979, along came an invention or two that changed how we get our fresh food. Automatic produce misting systems revolutionized the grocery world. While these systems extended the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, it also increased the variety of foods available. Before, exotic food shipped in refrigerated trucks, but the time for distance traveled dramatically reduced their shelf life. Now, exotic foods stood a chance with the help of hydration. Customers no longer wait for vacation to savor a favorite delicacy. Amazingly, shoppers ask grocers to order foreign ingredients to make exotic dishes fresh in their homes. Today, these technologies make shopping for delicious and nutritious food easy. It also improves accessibility here and around the world. NATIONAL SMARTIES® DAY NATIONAL SMARTIES® DAY October 2, 2025 NATIONAL SMARTIES® DAY \| October 2 National Smarties Day on October 2 celebrates the sweet legacy of an iconic candy and the smarty pants people who never stop learning. #NationalSmartiesDay Smarties have been around since 1949. That’s over 70 years of celebrating this sweet candy wafer roll. In honor of National Smarties Day, we invite everyone to take a walk down memory lane and enjoy this nostalgic candy. If you’ve never tried Smarties, this is your chance to become a new member of the smarty pants club. What are Smarties? Smarties are rolls of a small pastel colored candy tablets that are sweet and a little bit sour. Unlike most candy, Smarties have only 6 ingredients, too. There are six different flavors in a Smarties package. Flavors are randomly mixed together for each individual Smarties roll. Smarties Original Flavor Lineup White = Orange cream Yellow = Pineapple Pink = Cherry Green = Strawberry Purple = Grape Orange = Orange A Smart Choice When it comes to candy, Smarties are considered a smart choice. For starters, Smarties are free from the nine major food allergies: milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame. If you are at a loss for classic gluten‑free candy, Smarties products are your delicious solution. The sweet treat is also gluten-free. Interestingly, the ingredients found in Smarties candy contains no animal products, making them a tasty and cruelty-free choice for anyone looking for delicious vegan candy. Did we mention they are only 25 calories in each roll of Smarties? SMARTIE PANTS CELEBRATIONS There are an endless number of ways to celebrate today. If your candy cravings are keeping you from thinking straight, here’s a list of ideas to get you started: Incorporate some Smarties in your favorite sweet treat. Use as a topping on ice cream, jello, or cake. You can even bake them in cookies, brownies or mix into homemade jam! Create a DIY “Smartie Pants” Halloween costume. Craft a thank you note for teachers and tape a Smarties roll to it. Use Smarties as a teaching tool to learn to count, identify colors, match items, and build shapes to help with motor skills. Make up your best Smarties pun or go with the classic, “Thanks for making me a Smartie!” Eat a roll of Smarties, of course. Or maybe two. Pick up some Smarties Mega Lollies for a friend. Tag and post your Smarties celebration using #NationalSmartiesDay. CLASSIC HISTORY In 2022, National Day Calendar welcomed the Smarties Candy Company to our list of Founders. Beginning October 2 and every year after, we will be celebrating National Smarties Day in sweet style. The October 2 date also pays a beautiful tribute to the birthday of company Founder and Smarties creator Edward Dee, who was born on this day. Edward Dee, Smarties FounderEdward Dee, Smarties Founder 1924-2019 Iconic Legacy Edward Dee (1924-2019) came to the U.S. from England with his family in 1949. As a third-generation candy maker, Dee arrived with a candy idea that would build his legacy. Beginning in a factory in Bloomfield, N.J., Dee began Ce De Candy Inc. in a rental property with two machines–a wrapping machine and a candy pellet-making machine. Dee would move his company to Elizabeth, N.J. in 1959 and finally to Union, N.J. in 1967, where the business remains today. Smarties Co-PresidentsCo-Presidents Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Liz Dee In 2011, the company decided to change their name from Ce De Candy Inc. to Smarties Candy Company. The Dee family has always been sole owners of the company, keeping their family tradition alive. In the 1970s, Dee’s sons Jonathan and Michael joined the business. The company is now led by the founder’s granddaughters, Co-Presidents Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Liz Dee, making it a woman run company for the first time in its history. There have been many updates over the years including improving manufacturing facilities, adding solar power to their NJ candy factory which offsets half of their energy usage, and releasing new candy products including Mega Smarties – the largest Smarties roll available! A Sweet Future Education was an important aspect in Dee’s life long before he would immigrate to the U.S. He was a Cambridge University graduate and he knew the value of education. Because of this, he decided to name his candy Smarties as a way to encourage others to never stop learning. In 2013 the company began the “Smarties Think” initiative to continue his vision. Since then, Smarties has given more than $150,000 to classrooms in need. The early days of Edward Dee going door-to-door to make candy sales clearly paid off. Today, the Smarties brand continues to be a leader in the candy industry producing billions of Smarties rolls per year. With factories in New Jersey and Ontario, the Dee family continues the tradition of providing an iconic candy for smarty pants people everywhere. • • • • •	3 NATIONAL BODY LANGUAGE DAY NATIONAL BODY LANGUAGE DAY October 3, 2025 NATIONAL BODY LANGUAGE DAY During the first Friday in October, National Body Language Day recognizes the significance of nonverbal communication in your life. These are the silent messages you don’t realize you’re sending in your interactions with others. From a smile to a shoulder shrug, your body is revealing your emotions and thoughts. In 1872, Charles Darwin detailed his observations of nonverbal behavior in his book, “The Expression Of Emotion In Man and Animals.” He noticed both people and humans use body language to communicate. Long before Charles Darwin, primitive people relied on body language – hand motions and gestures, facial expressions, and paralanguage (grunts and sounds) to communicate their needs, wants, and concerns. Depending on the signals, trust or distrust was developed based on body language signs. Forms of Expression and Communication Body language is a form of survival when you can’t use words. Your minute movements reveal your unspoken thoughts. To overcome language barriers, you use body language to talk to and to understand people when you don’t speak the same language. Couples use body language as a silent communication to express their emotions for their partner. Parents use body language with their infants and young children until they can speak. Using facial expressions, gestures, movements, and speech sounds, babies communicate their wants and needs. In the same way, they also read their parents’ emotions to know when they’re happy, sad, mad. Many people use body language to read other people so they can understand what they’re feeling. People who suffer strokes or have partial paralysis and other medical conditions where speech is difficult, use body language to communicate. They use eye movements such as blinking or looking at an object to communicate needs and wants. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBodyLanguageDay On National Body Language Day, take a look at the ways others are talking to you through their body language. And pay attention to your own body language. See if what’s said matches what’s shown in body language. Look at movements, glances and muscle tension, gestures from head to toe. Identify what caused the body language to change. Think about the conversation and what happened right before you noticed the change. What are you seeing? Describe the feelings different body language show. Try using body language to emphasize your message or complement your words. Use #NationalBodyLanguageDay to share on social media. NATIONAL BODY LANGUAGE DAY HISTORY Blanca Cobb, internationally recognized body language expert and founder of TruthBlazer LLC founded National Body Language Day on the first Friday of every October to encourage people to understand each other through unspoken language. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Body Language Day in 2018 to be observed annually. NATIONAL BOYFRIEND DAY NATIONAL BOYFRIEND DAY October 3, 2025 NATIONAL BOYFRIEND DAY National Boyfriend Day (sometimes referred to as National Boyfriend’s Day) on October 3rd recognizes the sweetheart in your life. Like special days for family members, this day dedicates attention to the boyfriends in our lives. Whether the relationship is new or seasoned, boyfriends bring unique meaning to our lives. From romantic evenings, date nights, and adventure, each relationship develops over time. Each year, you build upon the relationship with new memories and experiences. What makes your boyfriend extra special? Like a good friend, a boyfriend supports your dreams and ambitions. Together you’re a team. Often, there’s an unexplained attraction. Does his character make you want to be a better person? We describe our boyfriends with words like energetic, creative, loving, and kind. Perhaps your boyfriend is a bad boy or a handsome geek. No matter what type your boyfriend is, celebrate him all day long! NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY October 3, 2025 NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY National Manufacturing Day on the first Friday in October celebrates those who proudly stand behind our goods and services in America. In the United States, we continue to develop products and unlock new technologies growing our economy. Manufacturing businesses create jobs through entrepreneurship, and their competitiveness revitalizes American manufacturing. Throughout the observance, more than 1,600 American manufacturers will open their doors and participate. They will take up the important work of inspiring our young people to pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering. Today’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates will power the next chapter of American production and innovation. Harnessing their potential is an economic imperative. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalManufacturingDay Find local manufacturing events, explore innovative ideas and collaborate on new technologies. Encourage students to attend job fairs or ask your employer to participate. You may just help inspire the next generation to fill your shoes when we need it most. Since many skilled laborers will be retiring, there will be more jobs than workers. Spread the word and use #NationalManufacturingDay or #MFG19 to post on social media. And watch for new opportunities opening up everywhere in the manufacturing field. NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY HISTORY Governor Chris Cristie of New Jersey proclaimed the first official Manufacturing Day in 2012. President Barack Obama signed the Presidential Proclamation in 2014. ---------- National Day Calendar® All Rights Reserved - Copyright NATIONAL TECHIES DAY NATIONAL TECHIES DAY October 3, 2025 NATIONAL TECHIES DAY National Techies Day on October 3rd encourages students to consider a career in technology. With so many opportunities in the growing technology field, students seeking a career in technology will find promising choices anywhere they look. In 2012, Engine Advocacy commissioned a report by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute in California. According to the report, for every high-tech job, four more jobs are created. That’s a lot of economic boost created by one industry. By 2030, the technology sector will continue to grow while other job sectors may decline. While the jobs future changes, one thing remains steady – technology. Healthcare technologies will continue growing by nearly 48 percent. While research ramps up, surgeons and medicine take advanced technologies to a whole new level. With it, they need software specialists trained to maintain the equipment and train the medical personnel. Beyond medical technology, manufacturing advances technology every day. When considering the future of the automotive world alone, specialized technology keeps up the demand for qualified professionals. Software development grows every day. However, if we examine technology’s impact on manufacturing, security, and global environmental solutions, we can’t ignore our future needs. The students in the classroom will be the skilled, trained technology-savvy employees of tomorrow. We need them to be. Take note that National Techies Day falls during National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Techies ensure our devices are protected and secured. They develop the software and help us maintain our computers, smart devices, and more. If you don’t protect your computers – find a techie today! WORLD COLLEGE RADIO DAY WORLD COLLEGE RADIO DAY October 3, 2025 WORLD COLLEGE RADIO DAY College radio stations worldwide play an important role in students’ education while also providing a diverse schedule of local news, music, sports, and interviews. On the first Friday in October, World College Radio Day celebrates the impact these stations have on their students and audiences. The day also invites new listeners to tune in to experience college radio for the first time and aims to raise greater international awareness of the many college radio stations operating worldwide. What can you expect from college radio? Because donations and grants, not commercial funding, support the stations, college radio has the creative flexibility other stations do not. Those involved in its programming also believe passionately in its mission. Another unparalleled quality of college radio is the music it plays. College radio is the only free, live medium brave enough to play unsigned, local, and independent artists frequently. Indeed, many famous and successful bands today owe their initial break to being played on college radio. College radio is an important part of the media landscape because of its unique and fearless programming. College radio also provides: Live local sports A variety of music Commentary Public Affairs Talk Shows Game Shows For students seeking a career in media or broadcasting, college radio offers an opportunity to develop experience in many facets of radio. As a result, they sharpen their skills and build their confidence while providing a service to their peers and the greater community. World College Radio Day also offers the opportunity for individual college stations to fundraise and gain support for their programming. The day includes all formats, AM, FM, or online radio. It also invites listeners to tune into both high school and college radio. So tune in on World College Radio Day and listen to something innovative and new! HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldCollegeRadioDay Join the worldwide celebration of College Radio! Whether your college radio station joins the event with interviews, special broadcasts, music, and stories, or you tune in to a college radio station, share the day! Share the call letters of your favorite college radio station. Tune in on AM, FM, or online. Be a part of an interview or submit a story suggestion. Create a fundraiser for your station. Take your station to the street for live interviews. Tell the station why you love them. Support your local college radio station by playing it at your place of business. Share your events using #WorldCollegeRadioDay on social media. WORLD COLLEGE RADIO DAY HISTORY The idea for College Radio Day began with Dr. Rob Quicke (General Manager, WPSC FM, William Paterson University, NYC market) in 2010. He worked with Peter Kreten (General Manager WXAV FM, Saint Xavier University, Chicago market) to further develop the idea, and in December 2010, Dr. Quicke founded College Radio Day. The first College Radio Day took place in 2011. By the second year, the event exploded across 29 countries, with 585 college radio stations participating. The celebration continues to grow year after year. It has also been recognized by President Barack Obama and publications like The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and many more. World College Radio Day grew out of College Radio Day in the USA, as more countries around the world got involved. In 2021, the College Radio Foundation submitted World College Radio Day to National Day Calendar. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed World College Radio Day in 2022 to be observed annually on the first Friday in October. WORLD SMILE DAY WORLD SMILE DAY October 3, 2025 WORLD SMILE DAY Each year on the first Friday in October, World Smile Day devotes a day to smiles and spreading random acts of kindness. If someone smiles at you, you’re bound to smile back. A smile often expresses a feeling, encouragement to someone, or serves as a greeting. If you don’t smile enough, #WorldSmileDay is the perfect day to start. There are many benefits of smiling: Improves mood Lowers blood pressure Relieves stress Betters relationships Boosts the immune system Relieves pain Increases life expectancy Who wouldn’t want all those benefits? All it takes is smiling. And the more often, the better! HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldSmileDay On World Smile Day, people worldwide are encouraged to do an act of kindness and make one person smile. Each year the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation holds special events on World Smile Day. The day is wildly popular in Worcester, MA, the birthplace of the yellow smiley face. Through the years, the foundation hosted numerous unique events including, the world’s largest human Smiley face, balloon releases, choral performances, sidewalk chalk activities, college concerts, circus performers, and pie-eating contests. If you don’t live in Worcester, you can organize your own World Smile Day event. You can celebrate the day in other ways, too. Do a random act of kindness for someone. Use a smiley face emoji on every text you send. Spread cheer by handing out smiley face stickers. Give a smile to everyone you come across. Tell someone a funny joke. Play happy songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. Take a selfie of your own smile and share it on social media with #WorldSmileDay. And whatever you do, have a nice day! WORLD SMILE DAY HISTORY In 1963, Harvey Ball created the familiar yellow smiley face. A commercial artist from Massachusetts, Harvey Ball, created the smiley face design for a State Mutual Life Insurance company campaign. Ball aimed to spread goodwill and cheer throughout the world with his smiley face. Through the years, Ball became concerned his image was becoming too commercialized. In doing so, the original intent of the smiley face was getting lost. However, Ball never copyrighted the design. To bring back the original meaning of his smiley face, Ball declared the first Friday of October annually would be dedicated to smiles. He called it World Smile Day. Ball died in 2001, and shortly afterward, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was founded. Since then, the foundation served as the official sponsor of the happy observance. • • • • • •	4 NATIONAL CINNAMON BUN DAY NATIONAL CINNAMON BUN DAY October 4, 2025 NATIONAL CINNAMON BUN DAY National Cinnamon Bun Day on October 4th sweetens us up with a Scandinavian pastry. This warm bun swirls together a yeasty dough in sugar and cinnamon. Served with coffee or tea and enjoyed with a good book, a friend, or a dance party (don’t judge), it comforts on chilly fall days. Despite all the sugar in the recipes, cinnamon comes with many benefits. Since it’s loaded with antioxidants, it protects cells from the free radicals that may play a role in heart disease and cancer. It also helps reduce inflammation. Cinnamon may lessen or help fight infections, too. These properties are also benefits of antioxidants. Another benefit includes reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. One of the most essential benefits of cinnamon, though, is how affects blood sugar. It may help improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, assisting people with diabetes to treat their condition. So while we don’t recommend getting all your cinnamon solely through cinnamon buns, it’s nice to know it’s available. NATIONAL GOLF LOVER’S DAY NATIONAL GOLF LOVER’S DAY October 4, 2025 NATIONAL GOLF LOVER’S DAY National Golf Lover’s Day on October 4th provides an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to swing down the fairway at least one more time during the season. While celebrating the day, you might notice it is sometimes also referred to as National Golf Day. Since 1952, the PGA has held a charity event each year for National Golf Day, which is held on different days each year. The modern game of golf may have originated in 15th century Scotland. However, it is unclear and very much debated as to its ancient origins. The world’s oldest golf tournament is The Open Championship. Its first tournament played on October 17, 1860, at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.Golf in the United States: 1779 – The Royal Gazette of New York City posted an advertisement for golf clubs and golf balls. 1796 – The Georgia Gazette publishes notice of an annual general meeting for a golf club in Savannah. Golf became firmly established in the late 19th century. 1894 – Delegates from the Newport Country Club, Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Yonkers, New York, The Country Club, Chicago Golf Club, and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club met in New York City to form what became the United States Golf Association (USGA). 1910 – There were 267 Clubs affiliated to the USGA. 1922 – Walter Hagen became the first native-born American to win the British Open Championship. 1932 – There were more than 1,100 Clubs affiliated to the USGA. 1980 – Over 5,908 Clubs affiliated to the USGA. 2013 – Over 10,600 Clubs affiliated to the USGA. NATIONAL VODKA DAY NATIONAL VODKA DAY October 4, 2025 NATIONAL VODKA DAY National Vodka Day recognizes a popular beverage used in a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks. Explore your options on October 4th and raise a toast to the celebration. Makers distill a variety of substances to make vodka. As a result, diverse types of vodka fill the shelves at the liquor store. Grain, potatoes, fruits, and sugar vodkas fit a variety of mixing needs behind the bar or in the kitchen, too. Traditionally, prepared vodkas had an alcoholic content of percent by volume. In the United States, products sold as vodka must have an alcoholic content of 30 percent or more. Enjoy vodka on the rocks or in cocktails and mixed drinks. There are so many to choose from as the list below suggests: Caesar Bloody Mary Screwdriver Sex on the Beach Moscow Mule White Russian Black Russian Tonic Vodka Martini Makers have expanded the variety of flavors making endless possibilities when it comes to cocktails, mixed drinks, and other beverages the whole year-round. NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY October 4, 2025 10:00 am - 10:30 am If it's the first Saturday of the month, it's National Play Outside Day. So, no matter what month it is, everyone put down their electronic devices and get outside! #PlayOutsideDay All year long, we are given numerous opportunities to get outside and play. But sometimes, life, responsibilities, and distractions keep us from spending time in the fresh air as we should. National Play Outside Day is a reminder to stretch our legs and expend some energy in the great outdoors. • • • •
5 NATIONAL APPLE BETTY DAY NATIONAL APPLE BETTY DAY October 5, 2025 NATIONAL APPLE BETTY DAY On October 5, fall ushers in National Apple Betty Day with a sweet aroma of apples baked in cinnamon and oats. Similar to what is known as apple crisp, crumble, or cobbler, the American variant known as the Betty or Brown Betty dates from colonial times. Most Apple Betty recipes call for cinnamon, sugar, and butter to make the crumbs that top sliced apples. Sometimes oats or flour are added, too. As the temperatures begin dropping outside, apple Betty recipes warm the home and fill it with delicious fragrances. Apple Betty recipes also allow a child’s hand to help prepare the dessert, making it a family event. The season is ideal for this treat, too. Tart apples just off the tree call out for autumn recipes like these. Apple Brown Betty was one of the favorite desserts of Ronald and Nancy Reagan in the White House. NATIONAL DO SOMETHING NICE DAY NATIONAL DO SOMETHING NICE DAY October 5, 2025 NATIONAL DO SOMETHING NICE DAY Each year on October 5, people across the nation observe National Do Something Nice Day. This observance is very similar to National Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is celebrated on February 17. It would be ideal if everyone lived their lives doing kind things on a daily basis and without thinking about it. We all get caught up in our fast-paced lifestyles. However, kindness should never be sacrificed to get ahead in the world. Kindness doesn’t require grand gestures. Though, when able, those are acceptable, too. NATIONAL GET FUNKY DAY NATIONAL GET FUNKY DAY October 5, 2025 NATIONAL GET FUNKY DAY Find your groove and Get Funky on October 5th for National Get Funky Day! Turn up the energy, improve the mood, smile, laugh, and dance. Share the enthusiasm everywhere you go. This day encourages everyone to break out of their funk and get funky. When we add a little spice to our everyday routine, it keeps life interesting, too. Watch your interactions between customers, coworkers, and loved ones improve. Funkiness is infectious! National Get Funky Day invites you to celebrate life, spread love, laughter, and light! NATIONAL GOE DAY NATIONAL GOE DAY October 5, 2025 NATIONAL GOE DAY National GOE Day – Growth. Overcome. Empower. The Sunday of the first full weekend in October encourages us to support safe spaces for healing and connection for those who have been victimized by abuse and trauma. The day focuses on healing, recovery and providing resources that support overcoming these overwhelming obstacles in life. While abuse and trauma bring enormous emotional, mental, and physical challenges, when we overcome these challenges, it’s time to celebrate. Growth. Overcome. Empower. These elements all go into achieving the seemingly impossible. Part of the healing process requires us to feel secure and make connections with others. Art often offers all of these key ingredients to healing. How do we promote safe places and make connections through art? Create art programs designed to promote healing. Express ourselves in a creative way. Share our experiences and our art with others. Make a connection with someone who has a common goal – Growth. Overcome. Empower. Share how we’ve overcome the obstacles of emotional, mental, and physical pain. While we strive to become whole again, art provides an integral element of the healing process, too. That’s why the celebration encourages us to museums, libraries, and artists to bring their talents to the day. Incorporate the healing power of artistic expression into the healing process and make a connection. The results are undeniable. Growth. Overcome. Empower. NATIONAL RHODE ISLAND DAY NATIONAL RHODE ISLAND DAY October 5, 2025 NATIONAL RHODE ISLAND DAY Wrapping up the original 13 colonies, National Rhode Island Day on October 5th recognizes the last colony to join the Union. The Ocean State joined the union on May 4, 1776. Persecuted for his beliefs in Massachusetts, Roger Williams established the Rhode Island colony in 1636 at Providence seeking religious and political freedom. While the colony was the first to renounce British rule, Rhode Island was the only state absent from the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Rhode Island delayed signing the Constitution, preferring the addition of a bill of rights. It wasn’t until the Constitution was ratified by nine previous states and the threat of taxation on her exports that Rhode Island finally ratified the document and became the 13th state. The textile industry boomed in the mid-1800s after Samuel Slater founded the first textile mill in Pawtucket in 1790. Rhode Island made producing cloth into a lucrative national and export business. Lawn tennis has been a long-held pastime by Rhode Islanders and is clearly part of the fabric of their history. The National Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum was founded in 1954 by Jimmy Van Alen at the Newport Casino. The location in Newport, Rhode Island held the first U.S. national championship for tennis in 1881. Despite being the smallest state, the Ocean State jams over 400 miles of coastline in its 1212 square miles. With numerous public and private beaches, Rhode Island ocean views and adventure abound. • • • • •	6 NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY In the United States, National Child Health Day occurs each year on the first Monday in October. The day recognizes the care and guidance children need to grow strong and healthy. Each child deserves to be the healthiest he or she can be. From the food they eat to the words they hear, children require support and opportunities to grow. Parents often worry about chronic disease, accidents or childhood illnesses. At the same time, they focus on a child’s mental health and general health. Whether it’s their environment, the food they eat or how much TV they watch, the day is an excellent opportunity to support the children in your life. NATIONAL COACHES DAY NATIONAL COACHES DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL COACHES DAY On October 6th, National Coaches Day honors the men and women who inspire us to work harder and do our best. Across the country in every community, a coach organizes teams, plans practices and training, motivates players to strive to be the best they can be. At the same time, coaches pinpoint areas for improvement and supply guidance. Every sport or competition requires a leader. More importantly, a leader who knows the game and drives athletes to work together as a team. The best coach is the one who sets you up for life, not the game. ~ Coach Snoop Doug Many coaches maintain a schedule for training, conditioning, and preparing athletes. Not only do they create these schedules for competition but also for their best health. Injuries sideline athletes and upset team dynamics. Although a coach’s final goal is winning, they do so through a wealth of knowledge. Coaches work to build teams that bond well, too. They develop work ethics and set standards for their athletes that many carry with them throughout their lifetime. NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY As the seasons change and our lives evolve, so do our styles and budgets. On the first Monday in October, National Consignment Day offers a way to elevate both. The holiday celebrates consignment as the smart, sustainable way to shop, earn money, and extend the lifecycle of your items. Check your overstuffed closet and what will you find? In everything from designer clothes to evening gowns and fine jewelry, last year’s blue jeans and the never-worn is the opportunity for cash in your pocket. Conversely, is your wardrobe looking a little thin? Update it by shopping consignment, which offers new and gently used, name-brand items for a fraction of the retail price. Another bonus: nothing ends up in the landfill. That’s right! Exchanging someone else’s fashion sense for your own keeps the cycle of good taste going. NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY In the United States on October 6th, National German-American Day celebrates the German heritage millions of Americans claim. This German-American heritage holiday commemorates the 13 German Mennonite families from Krefeld who landed in Philadelphia. On October 6, 1683, these families established the first German settlement in the original thirteen colonies. They named it Germantown. HOW TO OBSERVE #GermanAmericanDay Celebrate your German-American heritage. Invite friends and family to taste the foods and customs of Germany. Share the language. Discover words the English language adopted from German. Explore the history of immigration by visiting museums near you. Use #GermanAmericanDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MAD HATTER DAY NATIONAL MAD HATTER DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL MAD HATTER DAY October 6th is a day set aside each year to bring out your silly side while celebrating National Mad Hatter Day. The fictional character, The Hatter (also known as The Mad Hatter) from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is typically acting silly, and that is how the creators of this day decided on their theme of silliness for National Mad Hatter Day. Sir John Tenniel illustrated The Mad Hatter and all of Lewis Carroll’s colorful characters beginning in 1864. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first published in 1865. The phrase “mad as a hatter” comes from the late 18th and early 19th centuries when haberdasheries used mercury nitrate. The exposure to this metal over time caused the tradesmen to develop symptoms making people believe they were mad. Taking our inspiration from The Mad Hatter (or any of Carroll’s characters for that matter) we may pursue laughable, absurd, or even confusing adventures on National Mad Hatter Day. Breakout from the usual routine. Ask ridiculous riddles much like The Hatter’s own, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” Play croquet with plastic pink flamingos or wear a funny hat to work. Celebrate the day with silliness! Did you know? Lewis Carroll (a pen name for Charles Lutwidge Dodson) once answered The Hatter’s riddle. In the 1896 edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Carroll wrote as part of his preface, “Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is nevar put with the wrong end in front!” HOW TO OBSERVE #MADHATTERDAY Several ideas come to mind for celebrating this fun holiday. For one, grab yourself a top hat and let your silliness out! Try these other fun ideas: Host a Mad Hatter tea party Read from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Tell absurd riddles Attend a production of Alice in Wonderland Whatever you do, be sure to invite others to join in the fun. It’s the best way to #CelebrateEveryDay. And be sure to use #MadHatterDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MAD HATTER DAY HISTORY A group of computer technicians in Boulder, Colorado first celebrated Mad Hatter Day in 1986 as a day of silliness. October 6th matches the label tucked in the Mad Hatter’s hat band that reads “In this style 10/6.” NATIONAL NOODLE DAY NATIONAL NOODLE DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL NOODLE DAY October 6th and National Noodle Day recognizes oodles of noodles just in time for National Pasta Month! What style do you prefer? If you missed National Linguine Day in September, this day offers an opportunity to make up for it. The word noodle derives from the German word nudel. Noodles are made by rolling unleavened dough out and cutting into a variety of shapes. While long, flat noodles may seem to be the most common, they come in several forms, names, and textures. And each kind of noodle pairs differently with sauces and meals. Found in regions all over the world, noodles are made from a variety of flours. In Asian cuisine, root vegetables, such as yams and potatoes, beans, rice, wheat, and buckwheat are all found in a wide assortment of noodles. Europeans make most of their pasta from durum or semolina flour, though potato noodles a enjoyed as well. In 2002, archaeologists along the Yellow River in China found an earthenware bowl containing some 4000-year-old noodles which had been well preserved. NATIONAL ORANGE WINE DAY NATIONAL ORANGE WINE DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL ORANGE WINE DAY On October 6, National Orange Wine Day takes a bold sip of an ancient method of winemaking! This little-known style of wine shines with its bold flavor and auburn color. Join the celebration as it gains some appreciation with vineyards, wine cellars, and lovers. Originally made nearly 6,000 years ago in Eastern Europe, the technique for making orange wine is being rediscovered. Surprisingly, winemakers do not add oranges to the wine at all. Unlike the latest beer trends, the wine comes by its color naturally. Fermented from white wine grapes, the orange wine develops through more skin contact during the fermentation process. Makers treat the white grapes like red grapes preserving the bolder body and tannins. As a result, the ordinarily white wine will deepen into a brandy orange color. Despite the wine’s obscurity, orange wine makes appearances at wine shows. Vineyards display their orange efforts from the United States to Australia. Get in on the tasting and find a bottle to share! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalOrangeWineDay As your local vintner to stock an orange wine. Visit a wine tasting offering an orange wine on the menu. While exploring the flavor, you’ll be adding another wine to your repertoire. Be sure to invite friends to join you, too. You know it’s not a celebration without company! Use #NationalOrangeWineDay to share on social media. NATIONAL PLUS SIZE APPRECIATION DAY NATIONAL PLUS SIZE APPRECIATION DAY October 6, 2025 NATIONAL PLUS SIZE APPRECIATION DAY On October 6, National Plus Size Appreciation Day recognizes the gorgeous men and women who may be larger but are also larger than life in so many ways. Extraordinary beauty comes in all size packages. Stereotypes could fill this page to describe plus size men and women, but then we have to consider that more than half the U.S. population is plus-sized. That means big and tall, full-bodied and robust persons fill roles that require well-rounded and amply skilled people. With this talent pool comes buying power some retailers have yet to appreciate. The celebration recognizes the talent and elegance of our plus-size population. When it comes to being bigger, taller or curvier, put your best self forward. Show your style, flair, and gorgeous self! • • • • • • • •	7 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL DAY October 7th officially marks the sweet and salty goodness of National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day. Whether they’re dipped in dark, milk or white chocolate, be sure to celebrate every mouthwatering pretzel bite! Salty, crunchy pretzels and chocolate are the gold mine of the snack world, and their combination is the epitome of the oh-so-popular sweet and salty flavor craze. Change up the chocolate from white to milk to dark chocolate, and they satisfy even a mild sweet tooth. History of the Chocolate Covered Pretzel Many creative stories have been shared to explain how pretzels and chocolate came together. One tale tells of a German baker joining forces with his chocolatier neighbor in the 1500s to dip pretzels. However, this idea is purely imagination. Dipping into the history of pretzels and chocolate, the story might become a little clearer. Historians document the story of chocolate quite well. However, anyone dipping pretzels into chocolate back in the 1500s would have had a soggy mess. Why? Because only drinking chocolate existed in those days. Nearly 300 years later, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate the cocoa solids from the butter. Then, in 1828, his creation brought on a candy revolution which led to the development of the most amazing, versatile ingredient we have today: chocolate! The first commercial hard pretzels, the kind that makes the combination with chocolate so irresistible, came along in 1861. Julius Sturgis opened a bakery in a house built around 1784 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He used a recipe given to him by an unnamed friend. How long people had been making hard pretzels before then is unknown. The marriage of two delicious treats, chocolate, and pretzels, came along sometime after that. However, the point is that the celebration starts now! We celebrate all shapes and sizes of chocolate covered pretzels, too. Beyond the twists, rings, and rods, there are pretzels perfectly decorated with sprinkles and infused with flavors that will put your favorite coffee shop to shame. Chocolate covered pretzels adorn cakes, bars, and ice cream, too. As unique favors, who wouldn’t want to find an assortment of their favorite sweet and salty snack in a party bag? HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL DAY Pick up your favorite combination of pretzels, chocolate, and toppings. Share a few, gift a few (and don’t forget to treat yourself, too!) Add chocolate covered pretzel pieces to popcorn or dip them into Nutella or ice cream. Then share your favorite indulgences by posting #ChocolateCoveredPretzelDay photos on social media. Fatty SundaysHISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL DAY Fatty Sundays® founded National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day in 2019 to celebrate the most delicious treat of all time! With so many inventive ways to savor and enjoy chocolate covered pretzels, we really wonder why it took so long to discover them in the first place. In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day to be observed annually on October 7th. About Fatty Sundays® Fatty Sundays is a Brooklyn-based gourmet chocolate covered pretzel business co-founded by 2 sisters, Ali Borowick Zmishlany and Lauren Borowick. Inspired by their Mom Karen’s famous sprinkles pretzels, the sisters set out to reinvent and modernize everyone’s favorite sweet and salty treat. Since 2012, their fun flavor list and family business have been growing as they share their unique pretzels and gifts with the world. All of Fatty Sundays pretzels are dipped in high-quality, milk, dark or white chocolate and then decorated with different flavored toppings. Some of their best-selling flavors include: Toffee, Birthday Cake, Salted Caramel and the oh-so-classic rainbow Sprinkles. In addition to the standard flavor pretzels, Fatty Sundays specializes in completely custom chocolate covered pretzels, where customers can pick the sprinkle colors and design their own packaging. Their custom pretzels and gifts are perfect for any special events or holidays. Year-round, Fatty Sundays ships all products throughout the USA and Canada. NATIONAL FRAPPE DAY NATIONAL FRAPPE DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL FRAPPE DAY National Frappe Day on October 7th honors a versatile drink with numerous combinations, so there are flavors to suit everyone. Frappes typically are blended drinks made with either coffee or espresso and topped with whipped cream. . A Frappe may also refer to:. Frappe coffee – a blended coffee beverage A frozen fruit-flavored dessert made with shaved ice A milkshake Any blended frozen beverage, including a more savory drink made with clam juice Recipes for coffee frappes can be found in the late 1890s. These blended beverages refreshed and delighted. Adding cream gave the beverages a smoother texture. Even a blended, frozen tea on a warm day took on a whole new flavor. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFrappeDay If you missed National Coffee Day, make up for it with this celebration. Stop by your favorite coffee shop and enjoy a Frappe with a friend. Or, enjoy one of the recipes below. Coffee Frappe Godiva Strawberry White Chocolate Mint Frappe Fresh Fruit Frappe Pink Pineapple Frappe Caramel Frappe for Two Use #NationalFrappeDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FRAPPE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this beverage holiday NATIONAL FRUIT AT WORK DAY NATIONAL FRUIT AT WORK DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL FRUIT AT WORK DAY On the first Tuesday in October, National Fruit at Work Day encourages some fruitiness to get you through the day. Not only is fruit tasty, but it’s good for you, too. It might surprise you what constitutes a fruit, too. For example, an avocado qualifies as a fruit, not a vegetable. Combine this superfood with some peppers and tomatoes (also fruit) and the nutritional bonuses will keep adding up. Another surprising fruit is the eggplant. This purple fruit falls into the berry categories. Bring on the Parmesan. The tomato also falls under the berry family. Joining the drupe family along with raspberries, the olive gives us added options for exploring the day. The observance takes place during a time of year when many stone fruits come into season. Apples, pears, and more are ripe and delicious. Beyond the traditional fruits, squash also qualifies for this holiday. Their fall flavors blend well with other foods in season. Don’t limit yourself to the traditional idea of fruit during this occasion. Since many of the fruits we think of as vegetables are in season, it’s an excellent time to enjoy them. Benefits Fruit offers many advantages over other snacking choices we make every day. All-natural – Fruit comes in the packages they were grown in. Each piece has no added calories, fillers or artificial flavorings. High fiber – Natural fiber found in fruit Energy source – While we love our coffee, fruit also adds a natural boost of energy. Improves memory – Fruits high in antioxidants, vitamin k, folate, and monounsaturated fats improve brain function. NATIONAL INNER BEAUTY DAY NATIONAL INNER BEAUTY DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL INNER BEAUTY DAY National Inner Beauty Day on October 7th focuses on raising awareness and supporting victims of human trafficking. Everyone has a story, a passion that expresses who we are as individuals. Our strength lies in embracing that story without filtering it through someone else’s definition of beauty. When our core values reflect on the outside, we have given the world the gift we were born to give. National Inner Beauty Day and the launching of its 2017-2018 #InnerBeauty Challenge coincided with the opening weekend of the movie, Trafficked. The Inner Beauty Day team attended the movie’s Los Angeles premiere. Deanna Pappas Stagliano HOW TO OBSERVE #InnerBeautyDay Donate to Saving Innocence to help continue their work with victims of human trafficking. Take the Inner Beauty Challenge. “Each person taking up the challenge along with their friends, family, or anyone else they know is encouraged to give to a charitable anti-human trafficking organization of their choice. The National Human Trafficking Referral Directory of the Polaris Project is a good resource for connecting people to service providers helping victims and survivors. Polaris is a leading nonprofit, nongovernmental organization in this global fight and operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888). Saving Innocence, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization well known for its work in helping victims of trafficking, has been a supporter of the #InnerBeauty Challenge from its inception. Donations can be made directly to Saving Innocence.” See the #InnerBeauty Challenge that DeAnna Pappas Stagliano posted by clicking here. Use #InnerBeautyDay when posting to social media. NATIONAL INNER BEAUTY DAY HISTORY Roma Newton, owner of 6Degrees Management, in partnership with National Day Calendar® created National Inner Beauty Day in 2016. Her goal is to celebrate the exceptional core qualities of the human spirit that we often overlook – inner beauty. In partnership with Saving Innocence, an organization that helps victims of human trafficking, we aspire to bring beauty and wholeness to a world that may not yet understand its own self-worth. We challenge you to join this cause and add your voice by expressing your #InnerBeauty. Media Contact Contact Roma Newton (roma@6dmgmt.com) for interview requests and sponsorship opportunities. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Inner Beauty Day to be observed annually in 2017. NATIONAL LED LIGHT DAY NATIONAL LED LIGHT DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL LED LIGHT DAY October 7th may be an unusually illuminating day considering it is National LED Light Day. We are all born as incredible detectors of light. We intuitively notice differences in color and brightness. And lighting professionals know that much of human sensation is visual. People respond emotionally to light and color, using its consistency to draw us in, like moths to a glowing light. The power of LED lighting affects all of us in emotional, economic, and environmental ways, too. Emotion Unlike other light sources, LEDs can create a more appealing display for a variety of environments. Let’s say you drive by two gas stations. Station A is illuminated throughout by bright white LED lights, while Station B’s illumination varies from yellow to white and one panel is dim. You will likely go to Station A because its color consistency feels comforting, clean, secure, and high-quality. You may not even be conscious of that decision. Economy LED lights help save on our energy costs. The low power consumption, high reliability, and long lifespan allow us to realize significant energy savings. They also reduce maintenance over the lifetime of an LED fixture. Environment The fewer LED bulbs changed means there are fewer bulbs thrown away. LED bulbs also have a much smaller impact on the environment than other light sources. Furthermore, because LEDs use electricity very efficiently, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLEDLightDay Explore the many benefits of LED lighting. Visit a showroom near you or share your favorite ways to use LED lighting. Show off your favorite displays of LED lighting. Whether it’s at work or home, share your personal favorites. Use #NationalLEDLightDay to share on social media. NATIONAL LED LIGHT DAY HISTORY On October 7, 2014, Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura received the Nobel Prize in Physics for the development of blue light-emitting diodes. To understand why this was a Nobel-worthy achievement, we must know the history of LED lighting. The earliest LEDs created in the late 1950s and early 1960s produced only a red-colored light. Slowly researchers developed other colors, but blue stumped them. Its shorter wavelength proved harder to reproduce. With Akasaki, Amano, and Nakamura’s invention, white LEDs were now possible. bridgelux logoBridgelux founded National LED Light Day in May of 2016 to recognize one of the most important scientific achievements in recent history. The day also celebrates the advancements of this versatile technology. The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved the day in 2016. NATIONAL PROPANE DAY NATIONAL PROPANE DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL PROPANE DAY It's October 7 on the National Day Calendar and we are celebrating propane suppliers across the country today! National Propane Day gives us the opportunity to dedicate an entire day to a group of small business owners who provide propane to their customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also allows us to share amazing information about the benefits of using propane. NATIONAL TACO DAY NATIONAL TACO DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL TACO DAY Get one, two or three on National Taco Day. On the first Tuesday in October, the day recognizes the savory tortilla stuffed with fillings. It doesn’t have to be Tuesday, so get out and enjoy your favorite. The history of tacos predates the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. Anthropological evidence shows the native people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate tacos filled with small fish. At the time of the Spanish conquistadors, Bernal Diaz del Castillo, documented the first taco feast enjoyed by Europeans. Hernan Cortes arranged this meal for his captains in Coyoacan. It is unclear why the Spanish used the word taco to describe this native food. One suggested origin is the word ataco, meaning stuff or to stuff. In 1964, Roberto L. Gomez established The National Taco Council. The council sent a 55-pound taco to President Johnson in 1967. Whether you prefer soft or hard-shelled tortillas, most agree tacos satisfy a snack craving. However, they also make delicious meals. Consider that many are filled with seasoned, lean meats and vegetables, tacos go beyond delicious. Fish tacos and shrimp tacos with grilled seafood add a whole other flavor profile. Ask for grilled chicken and hold the cheese. Many restaurants offer specials on this food holiday, too. NATIONAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA AWARENESS DAY NATIONAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA AWARENESS DAY October 7, 2025 NATIONAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA AWARENESS DAY On October 7th, National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day brings support and education to the general public about a painful condition. The trigeminal nerve is the largest of cranial nerves and consists of 12 pairs of nerves that control many functions of the face. Causes of trigeminal neuralgia range from pressure on the nerve, aging, or a disorder that wears away the myelin such as cerebral palsy. Other causes include injury or stroke. Those with trigeminal neuralgia may experience severe pain in the face and jaw. Even slight stimulation can trigger pain. The pain can be shooting or jabbing. Before an episode begins, some sufferers experience a burning sensation. The pain may be localized or spread and may worsen over time. It can also last a few minutes or days. While treatments such as surgery or medications may provide relief, the condition is progressive over time. The observance encourages us to wear teal in support of those who suffer from this debilitating condition. The day promotes advancing the cause of research to help find a cure. It also aims to raise awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment procedures. HOW TO OBSERVE #TrigeminalNeuralgiaAwarenessDay Wear teal while you spread awareness about trigeminal neuralgia. Support research and fundraising efforts. Learn more about the condition that may affect someone you love. Find out ways to support them as they seek treatment and relief from trigeminal neuralgia. Share your stories of success and coping skills. While you do, use #TrigeminalNeuralgiaAwarenessDay to share on social media. NATIONAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA AWARENESS DAY In 2017, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 558 naming October 7th National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day. The resolution calls for action by individuals across the country and acknowledgment of those striving to promote research and treatments. • • • • • • • •	8 AMERICAN TOUCH TAG DAY AMERICAN TOUCH TAG DAY October 8, 2025 AMERICAN TOUCH TAG DAY Tag! You’re it! American Touch Tag Day on October 8th celebrates the traditional childhood game and encourages kids of all ages to get out play! The game lends itself to long hours playing outside at recess, after school, and on weekends. The best way to celebrate is by getting out in the fresh air, running around, and tagging someone. Dating back to ancient Rome, this game has been played worldwide with a variety of names and rules. Typically it involves a player running around, chasing other players, in an attempt to “tag” or touch them. Most forms of this game have no teams, scores, or equipment. Usually, the goal involves being the last player left untagged or being safe. INTERNATIONAL OFF-ROAD DAY INTERNATIONAL OFF-ROAD DAY October 8, 2025 INTERNATIONAL OFF-ROAD DAY International Off-Road Day on October 8 celebrates those who live for the grit and love of the off-road. Off-roading enthusiasts don’t yearn for the road less traveled – they take it! Off-road vehicles give access to the roughest terrain allowing you to experience the great outdoors in its wildest conditions. And that’s the beauty of off-roading. It means you can go even further and explore places you can’t get to with a traditional vehicle. With so much breathtaking scenery to explore around the world, off-roading takes you there. Whether you’re rippin’ the trails, conquering the mud, or drifting through some epic sand dunes, Off-Road Day encourages you to get out there and enjoy the outdoors and experience your best off-roading of the year! HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalOffRoadDay Whether you’re new to off-roading or a seasoned enthusiast, celebrate the day by exploring the countryside. Hop into your off-road vehicle and take a day trip or a weekend tour! Invite friends to join you or introduce someone new to the thrill of off-roading. While you’re having fun, respect the rules and regulations associated with off-roading so everyone can continue to enjoy it. Other ways to join in on the celebration include: Discover new trails. Visit a dealership for the newest gear. Host an off-road event. Share your off-road tips, tricks, and favorite places. Share your adventures as you go, too. Take photos and videos and share them on social media using #InternationalOffRoadDay. INTERNATIONAL OFF-ROAD DAY HISTORY Can-Am® Off-Road brand founded International Off-Road Day in 2021 to celebrate the love and passion for the off-road. The Registrar at National Calendar declared the first observance on October 8, 2021, and annually thereafter. Can-Am is a registered trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day provides a day to cuddle up with a sweet childhood toy. Teddy Bears provide comfort. Many of us have a childhood bear we snuggled up with when we were ill or scared. They were companions. Most Teddy Bears are the perfect size for children to hug at night while they drift off to sleep. They fit neatly into their tiny arms. For adults, teddy brightens up your day and brings a feeling of celebration to your office. In the classroom, the variety of Teddy bears brings delight and fascination. The day can also be an opportunity to give a teddy bear to someone who needs encouragement. In 1902, American President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub while hunting in Mississippi. This incident made national news. Clifford Berryman published a cartoon of the event in the Washington Post on November 16th, 1902. The caricature became an instant classic. The Berryman cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt and the cub inspired New York store owner Morris Michtom to create a new toy. Morris Michtom wrote President Roosevelt to ask permission to name the new toy a “Teddy Bear.” Since the advent of the Teddy Bear, a parade of famous characters followed. HOW TO OBSERVE #BringYourTeddyBearToWorkSchoolDay Dress up your teddy bear and take him out on the town. Other ways to celebrate include: Hosting a Teddy Bear tea party. Taking photos of your Teddy Bear. Inviting friends for a Teddy Bear sleepover. Shopping for a new Teddy Bear. Reading Teddy Bear stories. Use #BringYourTeddyBearToWorkSchoolDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this fun toy holiday. NATIONAL CURVES DAY NATIONAL CURVES DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL CURVES DAY National Curves Day on the second Wednesday in October recognizes plus-sized women and men all across the country. Expect a fashion, beauty, wellness, fitness, networking, and branding experience; it’s something for everyone! Guests include top designers, celebrity models, bloggers, editors, media insiders, and +influencers from across the globe. The celebration is an opportunity to indulge in curvy fashion and build confidence. No matter your style, embrace the day and your curves with confidence and explore designs that fit you! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCurvesDay There are several ways to participate in the celebration. Wear something RED on the second Wednesday of October Share your favorite styles with flair. Explore fashion design made for curves and encourage others to do so, too. Stop body shaming. It takes a lot to feel comfortable in our own skin – there’s no room for stigma about our bodies. Share a selfie on social using #NationalCurvesDay, #DapperBomber, or #CurvyBombshell rocking your red to show support. Be the change you want to see. A significant portion of the annual Gala’s proceeds will fund the organization’s mentoring programs and/or a charity of choice. Confidence is Key, Knowledge is Power, and Support is Everything! Join National Curves Day, Inc. in advocating for self-love, inclusion, and diversity through Embrace. Encourage. Empower. Show off your confidence by using #NationalCurvesDay to share on social media. NATIONAL CURVES DAY HISTORY Zak (KSecret Dunbar-Bell), Creative Director and CEO of Jon Marc Collection, created National Curves Day in 2015 to encourage women (and now men also) to love who they are right where they are! In 2016, National Curves Day became incorporated as a global non-profit (COED) social organization embodying inner peace, confidence, love for self, and others. Their foundation mission is built on, “Embrace. Encourage. Empower.” for the curvy and plus-size community. In 2015, National Curves Day launched with over 100 weeks of social media promotion encouraging women to embrace all things plus positive while at the same time strengthening efforts to stop body-shaming. As the movement grew, so did the urge and desire to empower men who faced challenges battling society’s norms. In 2017, the event became COED (inclusive) and the organization’s mission of Embrace.Encourage.Empower. attained equal purpose. In 2018, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be observed annually on the second Wednesday in October. For more information email Press@NationalCurvesDay.com or 301.404.9436 NATIONAL EMERGENCY NURSE’S DAY NATIONAL EMERGENCY NURSE’S DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL EMERGENCY NURSE’S DAY National Emergency Nurse’s Day on the second Wednesday in October recognizes the dedication of ER nurses across the nation and it takes place during Emergency Nurses Week. We take this day to say “thank you” to the emergency room nurses for their hard work, dedication, service, and commitment. As they provide unwavering care to their patients and families, their loyalty to the emergency nursing profession does not go unnoticed. Emergency room nurses are the first people we see when we have an accident or a medical emergency. They work hard to put us at ease and eliminate pain and discomfort. The day encourages us to let them know just how important they are in keeping hospitals running smoothly. When is National Hero Day? According to the CDC, per 100 persons, 45.8 visits were recorded. Since the ER nurse will be the first to see the patient, their training means the utmost to the patient. Most ER nurses earn a degree as a Registered Nurse. Beyond their degree program, many nurses continue their training, advancing their skills and improving their knowledge of the ever-changing medical field. Some will specialize as well. Statistics on ER nurses a difficult to find. However, there are over 3 million RNs in the U.S. workforce today. HOW TO OBSERVE #EmergencyNursesDay While not everyone has experienced an emergency visit, you can still participate in the day. Learn more about the day in the life of an emergency nurse. Send them a note of care and support. Put together care packages for emergency nurses. Add bottled water, energy snacks, a card of encouragement, or a coffee gift card. Share your experiences under the care of an emergency nurse. Give them a word of compassion. Help your hospital organize an event to show your support and appreciation for nurses. Give a shout-out on social media to an emergency nurse you know. No matter how you thank them, don’t forget to use #EmergencyNursesDay to post on social media. NATIONAL EMERGENCY NURSE’S DAY HISTORY Sponsored by the Emergency Nurses Association since 1989, this day is part of Emergency Nurse’s Week. NATIONAL FLUFFERNUTTER DAY NATIONAL FLUFFERNUTTER DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL FLUFFERNUTTER DAY National Fluffernutter Day on October 8th brings about a yummy and extraordinary combination. Some food holidays are stickier than others. And National Fluffernutter Day is a stick-to-your-ribs-chin-fingers-nose kind of day! Celebrate zealously, then take a bath. In 1917, Archibald Query of Somerville, Massachusetts invented a sweet marshmallow-like spread called Marshmallow Creme. Before that, in 1913 during World War I, Emma and Amory Curtis of Melrose, Massachusetts invented Snowflake Marshmallow Creme. And then they published a recipe for a peanut butter and marshmallow creme sandwich, the earliest known example of a Fluffernutter. Query sold his recipe for Marshmallow Creme to Durkee-Mower, Inc. in 1920, who renamed it Marshmallow Fluff. Over 100 years later they continue to sell it under that name today. NATIONAL HERO DAY NATIONAL HERO DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL HERO DAY On October 8th, National Hero Day honors the people we look up to and who inspire us to be the best person we can possibly be. If asked to define the word hero, many of us will name the qualities that demand a person rise above, the qualities that genuinely drive a person to be stronger, smarter, kinder and more than the average human being. They are the people who give when they have nothing to give. Heroes act before anyone else realizes there’s a problem. They volunteer to put someone else before them. Our heroes may be the first responders who save us from a dangerous situation. They may be a mentor, like a parent or a teacher. As role models, heroes guide us through the examples they set. They live their lives in such a way that we’re honored to know them and hope to live up to their example. And heroes, real-life heroes, rarely get recognized. That’s why National Hero Day encourages you to recognize the heroes in your life. Heroes All Around Us Some wear uniforms, like Christy McIntosh of Pensacola, FL who served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Or like high-school football player Zac Clark of Ohio whose quick thinking and strength lifted a Volkswagen off of his neighbor, saving his life. Other heroes spur us to action or to lead a better life. They may do this through their words like Jim Cook of Oklahoma who wrote to columnist Jim Priest, teaching him a little something about character and love. A real-life hero might take us on a journey we can only imagine taking. Like Dr. Garrett Reisman, a former NASA astronaut and engineer who later joined SpaceX. Another kind of hero makes things happen. Whether it’s filling a need or making the impossible happen, some heroes go to amazing lengths to get a job done. For example, Donald Harris of New Jersey who by day was a real estate manager but at Christmastime answered a letter to Santa via the U.S. Postal Service’s Letters to Santa program. His answer to a request to make a father’s life easier was to enlist his associates in obtaining a townhouse for the family at a much lower rent. Heroes come in many forms, you see. They rescue us, inspire us, and most of all, they believe in us. NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY On October 8th, National Pierogi Day recognizes an international dish that is a type of dumpling. Pierogi is the plural form of the rarely used Polish word pierog. In English, we spell pierogi several ways, including perogi and pierogy. However you choose to spell it, these dumplings of unleavened dough bring a delicious meal to the table. The semicircular dough is often stuffed with savory fillings before being boiled. After boiling them, the cook will either bake or fry the dumplings in butter to finish cooking them. Pierogi Combinations: mashed potato filling potato and cheese potato and onion cheese cabbage sauerkraut ground meat mushroom spinach or fruit. Other pierogi servings include melted butter, sour cream, fried bacon crumbles, sauteed mushrooms, and onions and/or green onion. The dessert variety, those filled with a fruit filling, can be enjoyed topped with applesauce, maple syrup, chocolate sauce and/or whipped cream. There are other similar types of dumpling-like dishes in other ethnic cuisines. The Eastern European immigrants popularized pierogi in the United States. At first, immigrants served pierogi to only their families. However, ethnic restaurants also served pierogi. After World War II, ethnic churches sold pierogi as a staple fundraiser. By the 1960s, grocery stores marketed pierogi for the frozen food aisles in many parts of the United States. In fact, grocery stores still sell them today. While many eat pierogi as a main dish in other countries, Americans typically consider them a side dish. Pierogi Tid Bits The Pittsburgh Pirates hold a pierogi race at every home game. Six pierogi costume-wearing runners (Potato Pete, Jalapeño Hannah, Cheese Chester, Sauerkraut Saul, Oliver Onion, and Bacon Burt) race to the finish line between innings. Whiting, Indiana celebrates an annual Pierogi Fest each July. Glendon, Alberta, Canada, is home to a 6000-pound pierogi standing 25 feet tall and is made of sturdy fiberglass and steel. Piercing the giant pierogi, built-in 1991, is an equally giant fork. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPierogiDay While preparing dinner, make some pierogi. Then, invite some friends for pierogi. It is a delicious way to celebrate with both savory and dessert pierogi. Ask guests to bring their favorite fillings and create a buffet. If you need a recipe, check this one out! Pierogi recipe Have some pierogi and use #NationalPierogiDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this savory and buffet food holiday. NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY National Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday in October brings together students, faculty, and parents to end bullying. This annual designation promotes standing up against and put an end to bullying. No child should be afraid to ride a bus or go to school because a classmate threatens them. Children who have been bullied should also feel they can report the incident without repercussions. Types of Bullying Bullying comes in many forms. It occurs repeatedly and is a way for the perpetrator to show their power. Whether the bullying is verbal, physical, relational, or cyberbullying, the results are detrimental. Verbal bullying involves spoken words. The person may threaten or call names. They may use disrespectful language toward family, friends, or specifically aimed at their target. Physical bullying is aggression in the form of hitting, kicking, pushing, or any unwanted touch. Relational bullying involves purposely excluding someone from activities, groups, or events through social tactics. Cyberbullying includes using social media, texts, and the internet to spread rumors, lies, or mean messages about a person. Each type of bullying may have similar effects on the targeted person. They may withdraw even from their family or become mysteriously ill often. It’s essential to keep an open line of communication with children and students. Encourage students to participate in activities outside the home, too. Teach children the appropriate use of the internet, social media, and text. While having daily discussions with family members about their day, share information on setting boundaries. Teach them the behavior you expect them to display, how to treat others, and provide a role model of the same. The U.S. Department of Human Services set up a hotline that’s available 24/7 to receive assistance stopping bullying. Call 1-800-273-8255. In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Also, in the U.S., the Suicide National Hopeline is 1-800-784-2433. Spanish is 1-888-628-9454. HOW TO OBSERVE #StopBullyingDay Attend a bullying prevention event in your school. If your school doesn’t host an event, help them get one started. Getting involved in activities spotlighting their strengths will help to empower them. Report bullying when you see it and support those who have suffered from it to report it, too. Use #StopBullyingDay to post on social media. Inform yourself about the dangers of bullying. NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY HISTORY In 2009, eighteen sixth grade students from St. Stanislaus Kostka declared October National Stop Bullying Month, the second week of October National Stop Bullying Week, and Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday of October. NATIONAL TAKE YOUR PARENTS TO LUNCH DAY NATIONAL TAKE YOUR PARENTS TO LUNCH DAY October 8, 2025 NATIONAL TAKE YOUR PARENTS TO LUNCH DAY National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day on the second Wednesday in October encourages students to invite their parents to lunch. Parents will visit their children’s school during this event and have a meal with them in the school cafeteria. The goal of the day is to learn more about what goes into putting together a healthy lunch. Parents and school officials have an opportunity to open the lines of communication so they can work together to provide kids with the healthiest meals possible. It’s also a terrific day to find out what your child enjoys about school lunches. When adults show an interest in the daily life of their children, they have the opportunity to learn their routine. They also see firsthand the potential for growth and keeping your child’s brain fed for learning. Giving children the opportunity to show adults the ropes in the lunchroom will also cue you into where they may struggle. What’s working for them? Which foods should your child try more of? Providing follow-up with and networking with the school becomes a powerful way to help students stay healthy and fueled all day long. HOW TO OBSERVE #TakeYourParentsToLunchDay Children, invite your parents to join you for lunch. If your school doesn’t currently participate in the day, encourage them to add it as an event. Parents, throughout the school year, join your children for lunch. Find out more about their day. Offer to volunteer during lunch, too. Use #TakeYourParentsToLunchDay to post on social media. NATIONAL TAKE YOUR PARENTS TO LUNCH DAY HISTORY Take Your Parents To Lunch Day is promoted annually by Kiwi Magazine. Click here for more information on how you or your school can participate. • • • • • • • • • •	9 NATIONAL LEIF ERIKSON DAY NATIONAL LEIF ERIKSON DAY October 9, 2025 NATIONAL LEIF ERIKSON DAY National Leif Erickson Day honors the Icelandic-born explorer, Leif Erikson. The Norse explorer earns credit for bringing the first Europeans known to have set foot in North America. Leif Erikson left the European continent in 999 and landed in North America around the year 1,000. HOW TO OBSERVE National Leif Erikson Day Tour a Norwegian heritage museum. Learn about Norse heritage, their exploration, and more. Dive into the story of this explore in books, too. We suggest Who was Leif Erikson by Nico Medina or Before Columbus: The Leif Eriksson Expedition by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. Share your Norse heritage. However you celebrate, use #LeifEriksonDay to post on social media. NATIONAL LEIF ERIKSON DAY HISTORY In 1925, at the Norse-American Centennial, President Calvin Coolidge gave recognition to Leif Erikson as the discoverer of America due to research by Norwegian-American scholars such as Knut Geirset and Ludvig-Hektoen. United States Representative John Blatnik from Duluth introduced a bill in 1963 to observe Leif Erikson Day nationwide. On September 2, 1964, the United States Congress passed Joint Resolution 88-566, authorizing the President to proclaim October 9 as Leif Erikson Day. President Lyndon B. Johnson and each president since have done so. In the proclamations, the Presidents have praised the contributions of Americans of Nordic descent generally and the spirit of discovery. Some states officially commemorate National Leif Erikson Day in addition to the federal observance. This occurs particularly in the Upper Midwest, where there are large numbers of people from the Nordic countries settled. On October 9, 1825, a sloop named, Restauration, with 52 Norwegian Quakers on board, landed in New York Harbor, beginning what would become the first organized immigration from Norway to the United States. In commemoration of their journey and their exploring ancestor, Congress selected October 9 for National Leif Erickson Day. NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY October 9, 2025 NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY National Moldy Cheese Day is a unique holiday that is observed each year on October 9. A cheesemonger is a person who specializes in cheeses, butter, and other dairy products. They may take umbrage at the ordinary person’s offense of moldy cheese. Well, depending on the type of mold, of course. Some cheese molds, red or brown-tinged molds, for example, are offensive. Toss those bacteria-contaminated moldy cheeses in the garbage quickly and move along to the grey, blue, or green colored moldy cheeses in the fridge instead. Like a sommelier pairs the best wines with meals, a cheesemonger provides expert advice on artisan cheeses for recipes, banquets, and sources for restaurants. Cheeses such as Maytag blue, Roquefort, bleu, camembert, gorgonzola, and Stilton are a few of the moldy reasons cheese lovers celebrate on this day. Moldy cheese gets such colorful phrases. For example, the fuzzy mold on a wheel of fresh brie is called cats fur. These bloomy rind cheeses take some careful maintenance. However, the results are satisfying. Isn’t the best food is a bit of a science experiment, anyway? Gorgonzola cheese is made with three different kinds of mold spores. It’s like a milder blue cheese, but gorgonzola is creamier and earthier. Toss it with pasta and mushrooms for an outstanding meal. Also, it compliments any cheese plate. Add apples and tart, dried cranberries. HOW TO OBSERVE #MoldyCheeseDay Stop by a local deli or chat with your favorite cheesemonger about a uniquely moldy cheese. Other ways to celebrate the day include: Invite friends for a tasting Clean out your fridge. You might find some moldy cheese. Try a moldy cheese you’ve never tried before. Is Stilton something new to you? Try it! Share your recipes using moldy cheeses. #MoldyCheeseDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MOLDY CHEESE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this funky food day. NATIONAL PRO-LIFE CUPCAKE DAY NATIONAL PRO-LIFE CUPCAKE DAY October 9, 2025 NATIONAL PRO-LIFE CUPCAKE DAY On October 9th, National Pro-Life Cupcake Day encourages open dialogue and an exchange of cupcakes. On this day, cupcakes are baked to honor the lives of those not yet born. The day also raises awareness about the issue of abortion. Cupcakes are a sweet way to get a conversation started on a difficult subject. Organizers encourage baking cupcakes and giving them to friends, family and even strangers. While not everyone will agree, conversations may be started. Some may prefer not to participate at all, while others still will join in the conversation, even though they disagree. HOW TO OBSERVE #ProLifeCupcakeDay Make a cupcake and strike up a conversation. Use #ProLifeCupcakeDay to post on social media. PRO-LIFE CUPCAKE DAY HISTORY Cupcakes for Life founded the day as a positive way to discuss pro-life awareness. PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day October 9, 2025 PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day In the United States, nearly 1 in 200 children are diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day on October 9th sets out to increase research, education and support to those affected by the condition. Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS come on suddenly following a strep, bacterial or viral infection. The symptoms include: tics sudden onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder deterioration in skills begins refusing foods and become selective in foods they will eat anxiety depression reduced performance at school sensitive to touch and sound sleep changes hyperactivity uncontrolled movements Rheumatic pain PANDAS is often misdiagnosed. The symptoms can diminish or remit. However, relapse occurs increasing in duration and intensity over time. Some causes of relapse include repeated infections and environmental triggers. Early diagnosis can result in long-term remission. Treatments include antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and plasmapheresis among other treatments. More research is needed to improve early diagnosis and treatment. Research will also help physicians better understand the condition. PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day encourages everyone to learn more about the condition, recognize the symptoms, and support families with a loved one diagnosed with PANDAS. HOW TO OBSERVE #PANSPANDASAwarenessDay There are several way to support the cause: Speak to your state representatives to support a proclamation of PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day. Many states have already proclaimed the day. Make a donation to support research. Share your experiences with PANDAS. Visit pandasnetwork.org for more information on PANDAS, the work being done and how to help. Use #PANSPANDASAwarenessDay to share on social media. PANS PANDAS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY In 2009, several parents and physicians created the PANDA Network. The organization set out to provide support for families enduring PANDAS and began promoting PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day. • • • •	10 NATIONAL ANGEL FOOD CAKE DAY NATIONAL ANGEL FOOD CAKE DAY October 10, 2025 NATIONAL ANGEL FOOD CAKE DAY National Angel Food Cake Day on October 10th celebrates the delicious, light, and fluffy cake that many home cooks serve with fruit or glazes. Originating in the United States and first becoming popular in the late 19th century, angel food cake was so named because of its airy lightness. It was said to be the “food of the angels.” Making angel food cake requires whipping egg whites until they are stiff. Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites. Additional ingredients are then folded into the egg white mixture. When is National Cake Day? The cake is then usually baked in an ungreased tube pan, leaving a hole in the middle of the cake. The center tube allows the cake batter to rise higher than other pans, causing the batter to clings to all sides of the pan. After baking, the pan is inverted while cooling to prevent the cake from falling in on itself. Usually, rather than frosting, angel food cakes are topped with a glaze or a sweet fruit sauce and a swirl of whipped cream. Angel food cake also makes beautiful and amazing trifles. The airy layers absorb the flavors of fruit, caramel, liqueurs, and chocolate well. Another dessert that angel food gives an elegant look to is the parfait. HOW TO OBSERVE #AngelFoodCakeDay Bake up an angel food cake to share. Invite friends to taste with you. If you don’t have a recipe, try one of these. There are so many different varieties, it’s hard to choose! Pineapple Angel Food Cake Orange Angel Food Cake Strawberry Angel Food Cake Mint Chocolate Chip Angel Food Cake Lemon Angel Food Cake Use #AngelFoodCakeDay to post on social media. NATIONAL ANGEL FOOD CAKE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origin of this delicious food holiday. NATIONAL CAKE DECORATING DAY NATIONAL CAKE DECORATING DAY October 10, 2025 NATIONAL CAKE DECORATING DAY National Cake Decorating Day on October 10th recognizes the creative artist who elevates cake design to another level. Many professional cake decorators started their careers as hobbyists. It allows them to express themselves in an edible form. We make or purchase decorated cakes for many of life’s events, from baptisms and birthdays to weddings and anniversaries. Decorated cakes help carry out the theme of any party or event. Did you know cake decorators use at least six different types of icings? Depending on the kind of cake, they may use more than one type. Some help keep the layers together like glue. Others form designs better. And still, other types of icings or frosting add details. 6 Types of Icing or Frosting Butter Cream – This soft and very spreadable icing is tasty and preferred by bakers. It’s made with sugar and either lard, butter, or margarine. Cream Cheese Frosting – By combining Butter Cream frosting and cream cheese, this rich and soft frosting pairs well with cupcakes and red velvet cake. Fondant – Made with gelatin, glycerine, shortening, and other ingredients, this sculptable and moldable frosting builds a variety of designs on cakes. Meringue – Egg whites, cold water, and granulated sugar beaten to a frothy consistency create a beautifully light and airy frosting. The final product may be served chilled or cooked to a crisp. This frosting often will be found on top of tarts or pies. Royal Icing – A paste-like frosting, Royal Icing dries to a hard shell. Made from egg whites, icing sugar, and lime juice, this icing readily accepts colors. We ooh and awe at a beautifully presented meal or dessert. Cake decorators take the challenge and offer us works of Van Gogh, Monet, Frida Kahlo, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Julia Morgan in pastry form. Not only do we celebrate with dark chocolate ganache, but our eyes can’t imagine the feats before us. At times, cake artists also create sugar art, too. They delight us with their flavors and inspiring designs. HOW TO OBSERVE #CakeDecoratingDay Decorate a cake. Thank your favorite cake, decorator. Give them a shout out and let them know you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Share your favorite designs or your memories of past cakes that impressed you. What would you like to see in cake design? If you’re a cake decorator, share with us your most impressive decoration. Show off! And while you’re at it, pat yourself on the back, flour print and all. Be sure to invite someone to #CelebrateEveryDay with you and enjoy a delicious decorated cake. Use #NationalCakeDecoratingDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CAKE DECORATING DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of the sweet and creative food holiday. NATIONAL HANDBAG DAY NATIONAL HANDBAG DAY October 10, 2025 NATIONAL HANDBAG DAY National Handbag Day on October 10th recognizes the versatile and utilitarian bag that goes by many names. Not only do handbags come in many shapes and sizes. They can be the size of an envelope or almost as large as an overnight bag. They are available in every imaginable color and designs from leopard and zebra prints to calf skin and rhinestones. There truly is something for every taste and style. Call it what you will – pocketbook, clutch, reticule, purse, evening bag, case, or pouch – they’ve been coming in handy for thousands of years. The earliest designs were a means of survival, but that didn’t stop the user from being creative. Whether they carried tools, ceremonial accessories or gear, the user often decorated them with beads or died the material. Complex pockets organized even the most elaborate sets of accessories. Today, the availability of synthetic and natural fibers allows for even more variety in design. Bags offer a range of sizes and styles, too. Whether packing light, casual or sophisticated, these purses offer so much to the modern user. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHandbagDay Show us your style by taking photos of your favorite handbags. Don’t forget to post them on social media using #nationalhandbagday. NATIONAL HANDBAG HISTORY HISTORY PurseBlog.com created National Handbag day in 2012. NATIONAL METRIC DAY NATIONAL METRIC DAY October 10, 2025 NATIONAL METRIC DAY On 10/10, National Metric Day recognizes the metric system, its history, and its benefits. The metric uses decimals as a method of measuring mass, distance, and volume. Though Simon Stevin, a Flemish mathematician, first suggested such a system in his 1586 publication De Thiende (The Tenth), centuries passed before the metric system became an accepted form of measurement. The metric system uses the following base units: Meter – measures length Gram – measures mass Liter – measures volume These units are broken down by the power of 10 and the terms used for smaller and larger units carry across the base units. For example, a kilo is equal to the factor of 1000 and deci is equal to the factor of 0.1. A kilometer, kilogram, and kiloliter all mean translate to be 1000 of each base unit while a decimeter, decigram, and deciliter all translate to 0.1 of the base unit. This standardization makes for easy conversions. Another metric unit of measure is Celsius. Also known as centigrade, this unit measures temperature. The boiling and freezing points of water are 100 degrees apart. While Fahrenheit marks the freezing point of water at -32°F, Celsius marks it at 0°C. U.S. Weights and Measures In the United States, the metric system became the preferred system for weights and measures in trade in 1988. However, the metric system still competes with the Imperial system of measurements. Distances are measured by miles, not kilometers. Recipes measure volume and weight by cups and ounces. Football measures distance by the yard. And yet, our doctors and mechanics rely on the metric system. We also purchase bottles of soda and water by liter measurements. Other occupations that predominantly use the metric system include: Manufacturing Pharmacy Transportation Energy Healthcare Technology Restaurants On the 10th day of the 10th month, learn about this most accurate system of measurement. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMetricDay Celebrate the metric system by using it all day long. Test your skill and become accustomed to using metric units. Try these ways to celebrate: Measure your speed and driving distance in kilometers. Convert recipes or use recipes using the metric system. Measure the temperature using Celsius. Order beverages using the metric system. Give measurements using centimeters. Teach a metric unit on October 10. Compare the Imperial System to the Metric System. What do you find? While you’re measuring up, share how you use the metric system by using #NationalMetricDay on social media. NATIONAL METRIC DAY HISTORY In 1977, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics declared the week of May 9-13 as National Metric Week. Then in 1983, the council moved the observance to the week of October 10th to drive home the usefulness of the metric system. National Metric Day takes place on October 10th of that week. NATIONAL WALK TO A PARK DAY NATIONAL WALK TO A PARK DAY October 10, 2025 NATIONAL WALK TO A PARK DAY Public parks and green spaces are a community’s backyard. They offer nearby residents a place to play, connect, and reap the benefits of the outdoors. That’s why National Walk to a Park Day on October 10th encourages us to walk to our local parks. Feel the wind on your face. Take in the fall weather. Visit with neighbors. Play with your children. And appreciate all the benefits green spaces offer communities. Parks are an essential part of improving public health. They provide a place to play, exercise, and commune with nature. They support equitable and thriving communities. And they protect communities from the impacts of the climate. Yet, 100 million people, including 28 million kids, do not have access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home. National Walk to a Park Day is not only a celebration of green spaces but is a call to action for cities to ensure everyone across the U.S. has access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk of their home. As part of this national day, walk to your local park, encourage your community to support more public parks and green spaces, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #WalkToAParkDay On National Walk to a Park Day, you’ll find many ways to celebrate. The first step is to step out of your home! Invite family, friends, and neighbors to join you. Add events to make your day at the park fun and memorable: Walk your favorite route to your local park. Bring sporting equipment – frisbees, balls, gloves. Pack a picnic lunch. Host a community event. Bring a book or art materials. And don’t forget, public parks include playgrounds, beaches, trails, and some schoolyards. Capture your celebration in pictures and video and share them on social media, too. Tag them with #WalkToAParkDay and @10MinWalk and join the conversation! NATIONAL WALK TO A PARK DAY HISTORY The Trust for Public Land launched the 10-Minute Walk Campaign on 10/10/2017, a movement that calls on mayors to ensure that everyone in US cities has access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk of their home. By 2021, the Campaign generated nearly 300 pledges from mayors across the country to increase park access for its residents. That same year, The Trust for Public Land founded National Walk to a Park Day on October 10th to further the campaign and focus on the importance green spaces play in our lives. The 10-Minute Walk Campaign accelerates the creation of parks that drive equitable, healthy, and thriving communities by calling on mayors to ensure that everyone in cities in the U.S. has access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk of their home. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Walk to A Park Day in 2021 to be celebrated on October 10th annually. WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY October 10, 2025 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Annually, World Mental Health Day on October 10th raises awareness and mobilizes efforts to support mental health. Mental health is a hot topic. This is good news. It means the stigma for mental health issues is slowly going away. Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. Healthcare workers and individuals feel they can discuss mental health more openly. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do, however. As a whole, we often misunderstand mental health because it is hard to define. Additionally, mental health includes several areas. These areas involve one’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Mental health affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. When we have positive mental health, we handle stress better, our productivity remains stable, and we realize our full potential. When one has poor mental health, they are more likely to suffer from a mental health disorder. These disorders include the following diagnoses: Depression Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Panic disorder Phobias Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Of these mental health disorders, most people experience anxiety disorders. Statistics show that about 4% of the world’s population has a form of anxiety disorder. In the United States, the percentage increases to just over 18% of the population. Some people are at a higher risk of getting a mental health disorder. These include those with high-stress levels, those who have experienced trauma, and those who have few healthy relationships. However, family history plays a role in higher risk factors, too. Thanks to increased awareness and increased funding for research, there are effective treatment options for most mental health disorders. Conventional treatment methods include medication, psychotherapy, and hospital and residential programs. HOW TO OBSERVE #MentalHealthDay While not everyone faces a life with mental health issues, mental health impacts all of us. That’s why discussing mental health with your loved ones is a vital part of this observance. The World Federation for Mental Health organizes World Mental Health Day. Each year, organizations host a variety of events all around the world to increase awareness about mental health issues. Events include educational seminars, free mental health screenings, walk-a-thons, marathons, conferences, mass media promotions, and public service announcements. If you know someone who struggles with a mental health disorder, World Mental Health Day is a great way to reach out to them. While many people don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their diagnosis, knowing they have someone to reach out to makes a real difference. You can also donate to an organization that advocates for mental health. A few include the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. If you think you might have a mental health disorder or are at a high risk of getting one, schedule an appointment with your doctor. You can also discover more about the advancement of mental healthcare. Share this day on social media with #WorldMentalHealthDay. WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY HISTORY The World Federation for Mental Health first observed World Mental Health Day in 1992 with members and contacts in many countries. While the federations first used a theme in 1994, previous years did not. The first theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.” Twenty-seven countries participated in that campaign. In 1995, the World Federation for Mental Health translated planning kits for World Mental Health Day into various languages. These languages included Spanish and French. Today, planning kits are translated into Hindi, Chinese, Arabic, and other languages, too. Recent themes for World Mental Health Day have included: 2019: Working Together to Prevent Suicide 2018: Young People and Mental Health 2017: Mental Health in the Workplace 2016: Psychological and Mental Health First Aid • • • • • •	11 Event October 11, 2025 NATIONAL COSTUME SWAP DAY On the second Saturday in October, National Costume Swap Day encourages the pirates, princesses, dragons, and wizards to trade costumes! No matter whether your costumes are store-bought, homemade, or patched together, stretch your costume collections. Friends, neighbors, offices, and playgroups gather to swap costumes just in time for Halloween. But the day isn’t designed just for trick-or-treaters. Theater groups prepping for the fall drama season also benefit from swapping costumes. Not only is a costume swap a great way to save money, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to explore ideas for children of all ages. Dress up provides children a chance to use their imagination. Playing a role and pretending explores personality and the imaginary worlds they’ve only read about or seen on TV. When colorful costumes that fit their dreams suddenly appear before them, children’s eyes light up. And parents’ pocketbooks feel relieved. When it comes to a budding theater troupe, costuming can be an arduous task. Depending on the requirements of the play, dressing the cast can almost be as difficult as dressing the stage. Area theater groups support one another in numerous ways. Costuming is just another way they help out. Also, both approaches to costume swapping help the environment. Not only is it recycling at its best by reusing costumes, but it also keeps costumes out of landfills. HOW TO OBSERVE#NationalCostumeSwapDay Swap an old Halloween costume for a different one. Organize a costume swap in your neighborhood, with your daycare or extended family. Be sure to use #NationalCostumeSwapDay to post on social media. NATIONAL COSTUME SWAP DAY HISTORY In 2010, GreenHalloween.org created Costume Swap Day to promote an economical and environmentally friendly way to dress for Halloween. GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY October 11, 2025 GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY General Pulaski Memorial Day on October 11th, honors a Polish hero of the American Revolution. The day is set aside in the United States to recognize Casimir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant. Over two centuries ago, he joined the Continental Army and soon rose in the ranks to Brigadier General. Alongside General George Washington, he built a legacy that included raising an arm of the colonial military as yet undeveloped – the cavalry. As such, he became known as the father of the American cavalry. While only 15 years-old, Pulaski earned battle experience when his homeland of Poland and Russia went to war. He later immigrated to the British Colonies after meeting Benjamin Franklin in Paris. It was Pulaski’s experience on the battlefield and his perseverance that gained General Washington’s trust. However, Pulaski would not see the end of the war. Injured in battle, he died wounds suffered at the Siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779. General Pulaski died a few days later on October 11th. The day also honors Polish immigrants and their descendants across the country. Generations have contributed to the founding of the United States, and its continued growth. Whether through service in the Armed Forces or skilled labor, innovation, or the arts, their enduring heritages lives on. Presidential Proclamation 2018 HOW TO OBSERVE #GeneralPulaskiMemorialDay Learn more about General Pulaski and the history of the United States Cavalry. Visit a cavalry museum or read about General Pulaski. Francis C. Kajencki published The Pulaski Legion in the American Revolution in 2004. David R. Collins published Casimir Pulaski: Soldier on Horseback in 1995 for young readers. Use #GeneralPulaskiMemorialDay to post on social media. GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY In 1929, Congress passed a resolution designating October 11th as General Pulaski Memorial Day. Each year, a new presidential proclamation renews the resolution. (Public Resolution 16 of 1929) A Presidential Proclamation has been issued each year since (except 1930). I LOVE YARN DAY I LOVE YARN DAY October 11, 2025 I LOVE YARN DAY I Love Yarn Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in October. Yarn lovers and crafters around the world rejoice! I Love Yarn Day embraces the opportunity to share your craft with someone new. Teach someone to knit, crochet, weave or enjoy any yarn craft. Explore the variety of yarns, their vibrant colors, their soft textures, and warm tones. Expose your stash to the daylight and break out the scissors. Needles optional! Yarn Bombing is creatively covering objects with knitted or crocheted material in an artistic manner. Crochet uses a hooked needle to loop strands of threads together to make garments or artwork. Knitting creates multiple loops of yarn together using two needles. The loops or stitches develop fabrics for sweaters, blankets and other materials. Weaving creates textiles by interlacing threads at right angles. String art creates an image by stringing yarn or string between pins placed on a surface. The concepts can be geometric, abstract or representational. Doll making uses yarn to create soft dolls and animals by wrapping yarn and shaping fiber, using pom poms made from yarn and trimming it to form features. Needlepoint uses yarn by placing colored knots and crosses in fabric or canvas to create an image or pattern. HOW TO OBSERVE #ILoveYarnDay Teach someone about the love of yarn crafts. Share your story on social media using #ILoveYarnDay. I LOVE YARN DAY HISTORY The Craft Yarn Council founded I Love Yard day in 2011 spreading the love of yarn crafts for generations to come. The Craft Yarn Council is a nonprofit comprised of leading yarn companies, manufacturers, publishers, and consultants in the yarn industry. “A survey conducted by the council affirms the numerous health benefits of yarn crafts like knitting and crocheting,” Jenny Bessonette, Executive Director of the Craft Yarn Council said. “We invite all of our followers to participate by posting and talking about how yarn has affected their lives.” INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD October 11, 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD On October 11, the International Day of the Girl seeks to bring awareness and solutions to the unique challenges that girls around the world face every day. From the moment a child is born, she can grow up to be a scientist, author, business leader, mother, teacher or anything she may choose to be. Providing her with healthy options, education, and resources to make her own choices means removing some of the obstacles she faces. Depending on where she lives, a young girl’s challenges will vary and how we approach addressing those issues will change. During International Day of the Girl, join the global call to action. Create real solutions; listen to the aspiration of young women; mentor someone who will someday overcome the challenges she faces. HOW TO OBSERVE #DayOfTheGirl Join events around the world designed to improve the lives of girls in the most impoverished nations. Become a mentor. Make a donation of supplies to schools. Be inspired by or inspire girls in your life by speaking about women leaders from the past and present. Whether she was a teacher or an author, a political leader or an activist, share the stories of those who have made changes for the better in the world. Be a part of the difference that makes lives better for aspiring young girls around the globe and use #DayOfTheGirl to share on social media. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD HISTORY In 1995 at the World Conference on Women, nearly 30,000 people from approximately 200 countries arrived in Beijing, China. It was the fourth such world conference. During it, the attendees developed the most comprehensive platform for advancing women’s rights around the world. In 2011, the United Nations declared October 11th as International Day of the Girl Child due to the advocacy seen around the world. The UN encourages increased activism. NATIONAL CHESS DAY NATIONAL CHESS DAY October 11, 2025 NATIONAL CHESS DAY The second Saturday in October recognizes National Chess Day. The game challenges players mentally while also breaking down barriers through the centuries. Chess developed in India during the fifth century. As the strategic game spread across continents, the pieces and rules evolved. It also shifted between classes. Once, only the upper class could afford to linger over a long, challenging game. However, the merchant class would later introduce the game to the rest of the population as they traveled around the world trading their wares. In the game of chess, two opponents go head to head with 16 playing pieces each. These pieces include eight pawns, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, one queen and one king in each color. Their objective is to capture the opponent’s king through a series of strategic moves. The day celebrates the long history of chess and recognizes the role chess plays in connecting people across societies. The game has broken many barriers – class, language, and cultural – simply by two people sitting down to play one of the most mentally challenging games in the world. Chess Facts It’s a mental game. However, the game can end as quickly as two moves. The longest possible chess game in terms of the number of moves is 5,949. Checkmate derives from the Persian phrase Shah Mat. The phrase means “the King is dead.” In 1989, a chess match between Ivan Nikolic and Goran Arsovic in Belgrade ended in a draw. It was recorded as the longest official check game and lasted 269 moves. The playing board used today with the alternating light and dark squares first appeared in Europe in 1090. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChessDay Play a game of chess. Find a tournament near you and join it. Create an event to teach others to play chess. Use #NationalChessDay to post on social media. We also reveal 7 Stories Behind Our Favorite Games. Come check it out! NATIONAL CHESS DAY HISTORY President Ford declared National Chess Day on October 9th, 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. More information can be found on this day due to the work of David Heiser. You can find his investigative work here. For both professionals and amateurs, chess is a game that sharpens the mind, tests human faculties and encourages healthy competition. It has captivated the attention of players and specators world-wide and will continue to do so as long as competition and excellence challenge mankind. ~ President Gerald Ford ~ October 1976 Our founding fathers played chess, including George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Franklin was exceptionally skilled and wrote one of the earliest books on chess. NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY October 11, 2025 NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY Each year on October 11th, National Coming Out Day encourages civil awareness recognizing and supporting those in the LGBTQ community. The day celebrates individuals who publicly identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender – coming out regarding their sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. One in two Americans knows someone who is gay or lesbian. The ratio applied to transgendered Americans is one in ten. The day is dedicated to raises awareness of the civil rights of the LGBTQ community. Through education and support, and sharing their stories, it is hoped they may be more able to live openly and safely. As more of the LGBTQ community come out, those who know them are more likely to become more educated. They also become more supportive and understanding, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalComingOutDay Attend a rally. Support someone you know as the approach coming out to their friends and loved ones. Share your coming out stories. Ask questions or learn more by visiting hrc.org. Learn about the Stonewall Uprising or other pivotal events in the LGBTQ community. Use #NationalComingOutDay to post on social media. NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY HISTORY In 1988, Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary National created Coming Out Day on the anniversary of National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights to show support for the LGBTQ community. Eichberg was a New Mexico psychologist and founder of the personal growth workshop, The Experience. O’ Leary was an openly gay political leader from Los Angeles and at the time, the head of the National Gay Rights Advocates. Together, they created the day as a reminder that coming out is one of their most powerful basic tools. NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE DAY NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE DAY October 11, 2025 NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE DAY National Motorcycle Ride Day on the second Saturday in October encourages all motorcyclists in the USA and the world to get out on their motorcycles for a united day of riding. The month of October offers two significant reasons to ride. First, it’s the end of the riding season for a lot of motorcyclists. It is also the month that John B. Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic tire in 1887. Without this development in tire technology, motorcycles would not perform as they do or be as enjoyable as they are today. That being said, the day also honors John B. Dunlop and his invention of the first practical pneumatic tire. Use the day to escape on your motorcycle. Have some fun, relieve some stress, and really enjoy the thrills. Freedom is what riding a motorcycle offers. The day focuses on riders of all motorcycle disciplines. No matter what type of motorcycle you own or what type of rider you are, enjoy the camaraderie that comes along with owning a motorcycle. If you own a motorcycle, you will understand. National Motorcycle Ride Day also encourages motorcyclists to support the motorcycle industry. While enjoying some of the last beautiful days of riding, stop by your local motorcycle dealer, too. By supporting your local dealer and other businesses while enjoying your ride, you will help spur growth in your local economy. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMotorcycleRideDay Go for a ride with a friend and enjoy the fall weather. Be sure to share the enjoyment of riding while the season lasts. While you are out on your ride or at your local dealer take a picture. Relive the thrill of this year’s rides. Plan trips for next year. While connecting with other riders, find out about their favorite places to ride. Join a riding organization. Give a shout out to your favorite businesses and post on social media using #NationalMotorcycleRideDay and @nationalmotorcyclerideday NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE DAY HISTORY Chad Geer of Dunlop Tire N.A. founded National Motorcycle Ride Day 2015 to celebrate the riding in the fall weather and the invention of the pneumatic tire. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the day to be celebrated annually on the second Saturday in October, annually. MEDIA CONTACT: info@nationalmotorcyclerideday NATIONAL SAUSAGE PIZZA DAY NATIONAL SAUSAGE PIZZA DAY October 11, 2025 NATIONAL SAUSAGE PIZZA DAY Food lovers across the country enjoy National Sausage Pizza Day on October 11th each year. Whether served on a thin or thick crust, sausage pizza goes well with other toppings, too. Don’t hesitate to add mushrooms and a variety of cheeses. What’s even better about sausage pizza are the different kinds of sausage to choose from. While Italian sausage may be preferred, try experimenting. Add more garlic or try additional spice. Try smoky sausages such as chorizo or even a kielbasa visit with your local butcher for sausage suggestions. They’ve probably been smoking up the latest experiment just for you to try. Sausage comes in many combinations, too. Lighter forms and different ages offer flavors that complement our toppings. A little sweet with the savory creates a modern taste experience. Sautéd onions add amazing flavor to sausage pizza. While cooking up the onions add a few portabella mushrooms to the pan. Once you’ve added them to your pizza, sprinkle the top with feta cheese and fresh basil. You won’t regret it. Pizza Facts In ancient Greece, the Greeks covered their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese, which some attribute to the beginning of the pizza. In Byzantine Greek, the word was spelled “πίτα,” pita, meaning pie. The Romans developed a pastry with a sheet of dough topped with cheese and honey, then flavored with bay leaves. The modern pizza had its beginning in Italy as the Neapolitan flatbread. The original pizza used only mozzarella cheese, mainly the highest quality buffalo mozzarella variant. It was produced in the surroundings of Naples. An estimated 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese was produced in the United States in 1997. The first United States pizza establishment opened in New York’s Little Italy in 1905. HOW TO OBSERVE #SausagePizzaDay Invite friends and family over for homemade sausage pizza. Or go out for your favorite kind of sausage pizza and make it a celebration. While you’re out and about, be sure to give a shout out to your favorite establishment. Do you like thin or thick crust? How do you eat your pizza? Crust first, point first or do you fold it? We want to know. Everyone has their own pizza-eating styles. Onion and Sausage Pizza Chicago Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Use #SausagePizzaDay to post on social media. Do you want to know more? Check out these 5 Amazing Pizza World Records. NATIONAL SAUSAGE PIZZA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. • • • • • • • •
12 CLERGY APPRECIATION DAY CLERGY APPRECIATION DAY October 12, 2025 CLERGY APPRECIATION DAY Clergy Appreciation Day on the second Sunday in October reminds us to recognize the work of ministers, pastors, and priests in the United States. This national day also falls in National Clergy Month, which is observed each October. Many congregations take up a special offering on this day to bless their pastors. Others use the entire month of October to find different means to bless the leaders with meals, gifts, and even paid vacations. As an individual, there are several ways to show your clergy appreciation. Tell others – Tell them how much your church leader does for the congregation – and let your pastor overhear you. Volunteer – churches offer more opportunities for volunteering than just about anywhere. Don’t wait to be voluntold. Pray for your clergy – It should probably be in the first slot, but it seemed so obvious. Write a note – Thank your minister for being an excellent leader, for his or her compassion, or even something specific. Ask – Find out where you can help. Some clergy don’t delegate enough or (see volunteer) so few people volunteer, they’ve taken all the burdens upon themselves. Join your congregation in celebrating your clergy. Recognize them for their leadership, compassion, stewardship, and faith. HOW TO OBSERVE #ClergyAppreciationDay Thank your clergy for the work they do. Give them a shout-out using the hashtag #ClergyAppreciationDay and post to your social media accounts. Encourage others to do the same. Being a pastor or other clergy member has its good days, and bad. Yet all leaders need to be recognized for their work and efforts. Be sure you also personally thank them for all they do to help you and your family! CLERGY APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY Hallmark Cards first started Clergy Appreciation National Day of Honor in 1992. The day later changed to Clergy Appreciation Day and is sometimes referred to as Pastor Appreciation Day. NATIONAL FARMER’S DAY NATIONAL FARMER’S DAY October 12, 2025 NATIONAL FARMER’S DAY National Farmer’s Day on October 12th offers much-deserved praise to the hard-working farmers across the nation. In the midst of harvest-season, the day pays tribute to the men, women, and families who put food in the grocery stores and on our tables every day. National Farmer’s Day was previously known as Old Farmer’s Day. From very early in American culture, farmers set an example with their endless hard work. Not only do they provide a nation with the food we eat, but they also contribute to our economy in numerous ways. Before seeds even find their way into the ground, farmers supply a stream of jobs. From manufacturing, marketing, and tourism, farmers keep small and large communities going strong. Additional products and areas that rely on agriculture include: leather apparel restaurants beverages textiles trucking railroad forestry pharmaceuticals transportation Some cities and towns across the United States celebrate their own versions of Farmer’s Day. Dates are scattered throughout the year with celebrations and festivals. Many of them are held in September and October. October does seem fitting for celebrating this National Day as it is near the end of the harvest. Many farmers will be able to take a rest from their hard labor to join in the celebration of this holiday. NATIONAL FREETHOUGHT DAY NATIONAL FREETHOUGHT DAY October 12, 2025 NATIONAL FREETHOUGHT DAY Annually on October 12th, National Freethought Day encourages people to be free thinkers and base their opinions on facts, science, logic, and reason. The day promotes logic and evidence-based decision making. Additionally, the observance offers an opportunity for freethinkers to have a sense of community. It also provides a way to open a dialogue and share their opinions. HOW TO OBSERVE #FreethoughtDay Think rationally and use #FreethoughtDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FREETHOUGHT DAY HISTORY Several groups since at least 1997 have promoted Freethought Day. Organizations such as the Freethought Society, American Humanist Association, and Secular Coalition For America are just a few. The organizers selected the date of October 12th due to a series of events dating back to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Throughout the trials, questionable evidence and accusers’ claims of witnessing devils and specters caused the case to halted. Eventually, the hysteria surrounding the case and a letter written by the Massachusetts Governor William Phips on October 12th declared “spectral evidence” inadmissible in court. Up until that point, at least 20 accused had already been executed. The governor’s letter saved hundreds of lives. NATIONAL GUMBO DAY NATIONAL GUMBO DAY October 12, 2025 NATIONAL GUMBO DAY On October 12th, the menu spotlights National Gumbo Day for food holidays. This heavily seasoned, stew-like dish fills us up on chilly fall days. Originating in southern Louisiana during the 18th century, Gumbo typically consists of strongly-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a thickener, and seasoned vegetables. The seasoned vegetables may include celery, bell peppers, and onions. In Cajun cuisine, the trio is known as the “holy trinity.” Most people serve Gumbo over rice. Gumbo also falls into different categories based on the following types of thickener used: African vegetable okra Choctaw spice filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves) Roux (the French base made of flour and fat) Gumbo arose from a West African word for okra. Many believe this word association is how the soup and the ingredient became intertwined. Gumbo is thought to have been first documented in 1802 and was listed in various cookbooks in the latter 19th century. It gained widespread popularity in the 1970s when the United States Senate cafeteria added Gumbo to the menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender. Gumbo is also the official cuisine of the state of Louisiana. Since 1989, New Iberia, Louisiana hosts The World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off. NATIONAL SAVINGS DAY NATIONAL SAVINGS DAY October 12, 2025 NATIONAL SAVINGS DAY National Savings Day sets aside October 12th to recognize those who value the act of saving and to provide simple steps to show getting started isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Many of us already save every day. We’ve been doing it for a long time. We collect sentimental items because they mean something to us and they evoke emotion. These objects come in all forms. For some, it might be a baseball glove that reminds you of playing catch with your dad. Another person may save an engagement ring passed down through generation. Others save boxes full of t-shirts representing years of concerts. We save lots of things for extended periods of time, and they accumulate quite well. Transferring this concept to a portion of our paycheck every month isn’t that far of a stretch. Consider the savings account your junk drawer or the sock basket. Only when a savings account is overflowing, you won’t be so annoyed. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSavingsDay Open a savings account if you don’t already have one. Save a portion of your paycheck each week. Set it up with your account to be automatically deposited. You’ll never miss it. Before you know it, you’ll have a portion saved up. Setting goals helps, too. Share your tips for saving money. Visit with a savings professional for more ways to save. Use #NationalSavingsDay to be a part of the conversation on social media. NATIONAL SAVINGS DAY HISTORY Capital One founded National Savings Day to empower people to feel more confident about their relationship with money by educating them on how saving money can be a simple, straightforward experience that fits more naturally into their lives and existing behaviors. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Savings Day to be observed annually beginning in 2017. NATIONAL VERMONT DAY NATIONAL VERMONT DAY October 12, 2025 NATIONAL VERMONT DAY On October 12th, The Green Mountain State is recognized on National Vermont Day. It is the 14th state to join the United States. The state derives its name from French words vert for green and mont for mountain. Populated primarily by Abenaki tribes before French and English settlers arrived, Vermont is a densely forested mountain state. Claimed by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609 for France, Vermont’s first European settlement was established in 1666 at Fort Ste. Anne. The first English settlement was built in 1724. It should come as no surprise that Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state. While Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state, Vermont has more per square mile. Movie makers love Vermont for its beautiful backdrops. Whether it’s for eerie thrillers (What Lies Beneath), a good drama (The Cider House Rules) or a comedy (Me, Myself and Irene), we can’t resist the stunning views. Such stunning landscapes lured the Von Trapp family of Sound of Music story to settle in Stowe, Vermont because of the similarities to their Alpine home. Along with these majestic views come excellent skiing, hiking and the most beautiful bursts of autumn color. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVermontDay Join National Day Calendar as we recognize Vermont’s magnificent nature and history. Uncover hidden treasures and find all Vermont has to offer! Use #NationalVermontDay to share on social media. In 2017, National Day Calendar began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. There’s so much more to explore! • • • • • •	13 COLUMBUS DAY COLUMBUS DAY October 13, 2025 COLUMBUS DAY Columbus Day on the second Monday in October is observed in the United States each year. The day signifies Christopher Columbus’ arrival to America on October 12, 1492. Christopher Columbus was long given credit for discovering North America. However, long before Columbus was born (1451-1506), Leif Erikson landed on these shores. The Italian-born explorer did sail across the Atlantic, though, and more than once. In fact, he made four transatlantic voyages. His first was in 1492. Hence the rhyme, “In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” During the 1492 expedition, Columbus was looking for Asia. He and his crew landed their three ships somewhere near the modern-day Bahamas. While he may not have discovered an already populated continent, he did spur further exploration and colonization of North America. HOW TO OBSERVE #ColumbusDay Learn more about Christopher Columbus and his voyages. Use #ColumbusDay to post on social media. COLUMBUS DAY HISTORY Colorado first observed Columbus Day in 1906 as it became an official state holiday. More and more people and states began to recognize the observance. In 1937, Columbus Day became a federal holiday in the United States. Many instances of people observing Columbus’ voyage exist since the colonial period. In 1792, celebrations recognizing the 300th anniversary of his landing in the New World took place in New York City and other US cities. President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to join in the celebration of Columbus on the 400th anniversary of the event. During the anniversary of 1892, teachers, preachers, poets, and politicians used the day to teach ideals of patriotism. These patriotic teachings were framed around themes of support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress. In 1970, Columbus Day was changed to the current observance on the second Monday in October. METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY October 13, 2025 METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY On October 13th, National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day focuses on the estimated 271,270 Americans diagnosed with this destructive cancer. Each year, treatments for all kinds of breast cancer are improving. Metastatic cancer is a stage IV cancer invading all areas of the body. It affects the liver, lungs, brain, lymph nodes, and more. Both men and women are diagnosed each year. Additionally, there are different types of metastatic breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the awareness campaign mainly focuses on preventative measures such as mammography, it is important to know research continues for a cure for metastatic breast cancer. Those with metastatic breast cancer require treatment options and an understanding support system. Treatment options continually advance. Whether a patient chooses a trial or a more standard approach to treatment, a clinical team will provide options. Either way, a support system of family and friends helps to manage the stress and adjustments that come with the diagnosis. The day also gives a voice to those who live with metastatic breast cancer. It encourages the world to learn more about the disease, how it progresses, affects the person and those around them. It raises awareness of the need for treatment options, research, and more. HOW TO OBSERVE #MetastaticBreastCancerAwarenessDay Learn more about metastatic breast cancer. Support friends or family members who may have received this diagnosis by offering assistance and listening to their needs. It’s a devastating diagnosis to receive. While many breast cancers can be cured, metastatic breast cancer cannot. Not yet. Donate to help fund research. Find out how you can help by visiting mcbn.org. Share your story using #MetastaticBreastCancerAwarenessDay on social media. NATIONAL METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY Before 2009, the observance was promoted by several breast cancer awareness groups around the country. In 2008, for example, the mayor of Poughkeepsie, NY, proclaimed the day on October 13th. Then in 2009, through efforts of breast cancer patients across the country, Congress passed resolutions declaring October 13th National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Since then, cancer patients, their loved ones, and the medical community observe the day with support and continued hope for a cure. Metastatic Cancer FAQ Q. How is metastatic cancer treated? A. Treatment depends on the type of cancer and where it has spread. Breast cancer starts in the breast, but metastatic breast cancer spreads to other areas of the body. Doctors commonly treat metastatic cancers with chemotherapy and radiation. Other therapies include immunotherapy and targeted cell therapies. Q. How do cancer cells spread from the primary cancer? A. Cancer cells break away from the primary tumor (in the breast or colon for example) and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system. These cells form new tumors in other areas of the body including lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, bone, lungs, and brain. NATIONAL KICK BUTT DAY NATIONAL KICK BUTT DAY October 13, 2025 NATIONAL KICK BUTT DAY National Kick Butt Day is observed annually on the second Monday in October. This is a day to give yourself a kick in the seat of the pants. The day aims to motivate marketers, advertisers and those in the business world to work smarter and harder toward their goals. While striving to out-do the competitor, be sure to also take stock of your achievements and how far you’ve come. Have you made the strides you expected at this point in your career? If not, check your goals. Do you have the right ones in place to kick butt? While the day was designed with business in mind, goals apply to everyone. From students to retirees. We all have a purpose. Not all goals have to be lofty. Consider these goals that just might still kick butt: Teach a child to read. Donate to a food bank four times a year. Shovel your neighbor’s driveway. Wash and put away all that laundry. Call your parents once a month. Start a savings account. Learn to decorate a cake. Take a sign language class. Apply for a new job. (You don’t have to accept it – or do you?) Wash the dishes every night before bed. Lose 5 pounds. Gain 5 pounds. Complete your holiday shopping. HOW TO OBSERVE #KickButtDay While you’re kicking butt use #NationalKickButtDay to post on social media. NATIONAL KICK BUTT DAY HISTORY Observed since at least 2004, the origins of the day are unknown. National Day Calendar® continues researching this motivational day. NATIONAL NO BRA DAY NATIONAL NO BRA DAY October 13, 2025 NATIONAL NO BRA DAY National No Bra Day on October 13th encourages wearers to leave that bra at home. The day promotes breast cancer awareness. It also helps raise money for research. Many women who have survived breast cancer are unable to go without a bra as they need it to hold their prosthesis after surgery. Additionally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and No Bra Day should serve as a reminder for all women to be screened for breast cancer. Most types of breast cancer can be treated if caught early. Screenings and breast exams are a part of the early detection process. The first line of defense is a monthly self-breast exam. The best time to do a breast exam is about ten days after the onset of your menstrual cycle. However, fickle as breasts can be, we do become familiar with them even if they are lumpy. We learn what’s healthy or not. For example, they change texture over the month. Sticking to the same time each month will provide a more accurate exam. For those who don’t menstruate, choose a day of the month always to perform the exam. As you become more familiar with the shape and texture of your breast, take note of any changes. Use the mirror to help you, too. Dimpling, swelling, and redness will be signs to look for. When you schedule an annual appointment with your physician, make sure a breast exam is completed, too. Tell your doctor about any changes. If you or your doctor notices any signs, the doctor can order tests, including a sonogram or mammogram. Finally, a preventative mammogram is the last line of defense. Today’s mammograms offer more vivid detail of the breast tissue. Baseline mammograms are provided around the age of 35 unless family history indicates sooner. The baseline mammogram provides a comparison view for your physician should something develop later down the line. Women age 40 and over are recommended to receive yearly preventative mammograms. HOW TO OBSERVE #NoBraDay Take charge of your health and make an appointment for a mammogram. Encourage others to do the same. Learn the best time and way to complete a self-breast exam. Other ways to participate include: Set a reminder in your calendar to complete monthly breast exams Share your experience with getting a mammogram. Take the mystery out of the exam for others. Organize a fundraiser. Whether it’s for those without health coverage or to support breast cancer research, you will be making a difference. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor. It will help you to approach the subject of breast exams more easily. Use #NoBraDay or #NationalNoBraDay when posting on social media. Make a contribution to the American Cancer Society or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. NO BRA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this health-related observance. NATIONAL ONLINE BANK DAY NATIONAL ONLINE BANK DAY October 13, 2025 NATIONAL ONLINE BANK DAY On the second Monday in October, National Online Bank Day reminds us we don’t have to take it to the bank to get it to the bank. The day celebrates the advantages offered by online banks. If you’re not yet one of the millions of people who have discovered the convenience and ease of online banking, you’re missing a great opportunity. Here are a few benefits to consider: Makes your money work harder: Online banks traditionally have lower fee structures and competitive interest rates, which benefit you, not the bank. Fast, convenient access: No waiting in line, or for the bank to open. Many online banks are open 24/7 – even on U.S. bank holidays – such as today, the second Monday of October, the annual recognition of Columbus Day. Provides the flexibility to choose where and when you bank: Conduct your banking transactions securely without leaving the comfort of your home. Many online banks offer live, agent-assisted customer care, by phone or by chat, to suit your schedule. Offers smart, simple features: Many online banks allow you to pay your bills, transfer funds and make deposits electronically, and you can also conduct all these tasks “on the go” from a mobile device. Gives you greater control over managing your money: Look at your balances and transactions whenever you want, not just when you get a statement. No branches = more environmentally friendly: Online banking is a better environmental choice since there are no energy-consuming branch locations, and you’ll spare both gas and emissions from conducting your banking online. As the digital world continues to evolve, using an online bank for your personal finance needs is not only practical, it offers a number of consumer-friendly benefits and features. HOW TO OBSERVE #OnlineBankDay Open a new online bank account or change your password on your existing accounts. Post on social media using #OnlineBankDay NATIONAL ONLINE BANK DAY HISTORY Ally Bank founded National Online Bank Day in September of 2015 to honor the occasion of its 1 millionth customer. Learn more about Ally Bank, member FDIC, at www.ally.com The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the second Monday in October as National Online Bank Day. MEDIA CONTACT Andrea Puchalsky – 313-656-3798 – andrea.puchalsky@ally.com NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR BRAIN DAY NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR BRAIN DAY October 13, 2025 NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR BRAIN DAY On October 13th, National Train Your Brain Day challenges us to some puzzling games and riddles! Whether you play solo or go up against teams, the day improves our thinking power. Exercising the brain is important. Routine activities don’t keep the mind sharp. This day encourages us to expand and exercise our brain and use more of its potential capacity. To do that, we need to break out of our routines and try new activities or relearn old ones. We’ll work on our cognitive skills. To do this, try reading or word puzzles. Number games and brainteasers also improve cognition. Riddles and word games challenge areas of the brain we don’t use every day. Learning something new is another practice that benefits the brain, too. When we learn a new skill, we focus and tap into our problem-solving abilities. If we’re doing the same thing every day, we’re probably not solving too many problems. The brain gets bored. You’d get bored, too if you watched the same episode of the same TV show every day. When the question is asked to American scientists as to how much of the brain is used, the answer varies. However, many of them believe that it is only a small percentage and that there is room for expanded learning and knowledge within everyone. HOW TO OBSERVE #TrainYourBrainDay Do some logic puzzles, brainteasers, and riddles to train your brain. Other fun ways to train your brain include: Download a brain training app. These technologies offer a variety of ways to test your brain. Mix up your routine. If you always do a crossword puzzle, try a different type of word game or number puzzle. Expand your interests. Take a cooking class or music lessons. Both will help improve your brain as you learn new skills. Take a different route to the grocery store or to work. You may discover changes to your neighborhood but you’ll also be giving your brain an opportunity to shake out some of the rust. Use #TrainYourBrainDay to post on social media. NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR BRAIN DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this puzzling holiday. NATIONAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY NATIONAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY October 13, 2025 NATIONAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY National Yorkshire Pudding Day is observed across the United States each year on October 13th. Not to be confused with a dessert, Yorkshire Pudding is a traditional English dish similar to a popover. The dish is made from a batter and usually served with roast meat and gravy. Cooks in the north of England devised a means of using the fat that dropped into the dripping pans. They created a batter pudding while the meat roasted in the oven. In 1737, one such cook published a recipe for “A Dripping Pudding” in The Whole Duty of a Woman. Make a good batter as for pancakes: put in a hot toss-pan over the fire with a bit of butter to fry the bottom a little then put the pan and butter under a shoulder of mutton, instead of a dripping-pan, keeping frequently shaking it by the handle and it will be light and savoury, and fit to take up when your mutton is enough; then turn it in a dish and serve it hot. ~ From The Whole Duty of a Woman. In 1747, Hannah Glasse published similar instructions in The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy. She named the recipe ‘Yorkshire Pudding.’ Glasse received credit for re-inventing and renaming the original version of ‘A Dripping Pudding.” These savory popovers open up a world of possibilities when it comes to fillings. While the gravy is traditional, don’t hesitate to add cheese, eggs, your favorite protein, or an herby filling. If you have more of a sweet tooth, straying from the traditional by adding chocolate, caramel, or a cream cheese filling sounds perfect! HOW TO OBSERVE #YorkshirePuddingDay Of course, celebrating the day requires eating Yorkshire Pudding. You’re likely to find it served in a pub-like setting on the East Coast. However, we also have recipes to share. With cooler weather, a Yorkshire pudding smothered in gravy sounds like a meal to serve to family and friends. It’s a perfect way to Celebrate Every Day®! We highly recommend it. Quick and Easy Yorkshire Pudding Yorkshire Pudding And, as always, share your favorite restaurant, recipe or celebration with us using #YorkshirePuddingDay to post on social media. NATIONAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this savory food holiday. NATIVE AMERICAN DAY NATIVE AMERICAN DAY October 13, 2025 NATIVE AMERICAN DAY Native American Day, observed annually on the second Monday in October, celebrates the cultures and contributions of the many Native American tribes. The observance is also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While it is not celebrated in all 50 states, it is recognized in both California and South Dakota and gaining popularity in the rest of the nation. In other parts of the country, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations occur on this day. Events such as traditional dances, art displays and ceremonies have begun to replace Columbus Day practices. The observance focuses on celebrating the culture, heritage, and history of tribes across the nation. Each diverse nation carries its own traditions, rituals, and beliefs. The day celebrates their knowledge, contributions and enriching heritage. It’s also a reminder of their enduring legacy of strength, energy, and fortitude. HOW TO OBSERVE #NativeAmericanDay Learn about Native American cultures. Attend events near you. Visit art museums or read books by Native American authors. Learn about Native American history. Explore the language and efforts to bring lost language back. Use #NativeAmericanDay to post on social media. NATIVE AMERICAN DAY HISTORY The South Dakota legislature unanimously passed legislation proposed by Governor George S. Mickelson in 1989 to proclaim 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation” between Native Americans and whites and to change Columbus Day to Native American Day. In 2021, President Joseph Biden issued the first presidential proclamation for National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. NAVY BIRTHDAY NAVY BIRTHDAY October 13, 2025 NAVY BIRTHDAY On October 13th, the United States Navy observes its birthday every year. The United States Navy (USN) is the United States Armed Forces’ naval warfare service branch and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is currently the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The service has over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve. With only two ships and a crew of eighty men, the Continental Navy was born on October 13, 1775. The decision of the Continental Congress set the Continental Navy on course to carry arms to the British army, not to defend against it. However, these two ships and crew represent the birth of the United States Navy. Throughout the Revolutionary War, their importance grew. Today, the United States maintains 40 naval bases across the country, including the world’s largest Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia. Below the sea, submarines became a part of the Navy during World War II. While experiments began in the late 1800s and during the Civil War, they did not become a large part of the Navy inventory until World War II. At that point, subs became necessary for surveillance and rescue, even though they were also armed. With the advent of the airplane, the Naval ships became vital stations for the Airforce as well. As a result, the Navy modified ships into floating landing strips. Today, joint Naval and Airbases such as Pearl Harbor-Hickam provide the country with sea and air defense fleets. HOW TO OBSERVE #NavyBirthday Celebrate with the U.S. Navy. Join Navy personnel as they celebrate their history and military heritage. Learn about naval history in the United States and around the world. Explore the various fleets the Navy uses. Celebrate a sailor you know by giving them a shout-out. Use #HappyBirthdayNavy to post on social media. NAVY BIRTHDAY HISTORY On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the first American naval force. Thus began the long and prestigious heritage of the United States Navy. Between 1922 and 1972, the Navy celebrated its birthday on October 27th, the date of Theodore Roosevelt’s birth. The Navy League of the United States designated the date due to Roosevelt’s foresight and vision in elevating the U.S. Navy into a premier force. The change to October 13th was seen as the more relevant date in line with the first official action legislating a navy. Since 1972, the Navy has officially recognized October 13th as the official date of its birth. Regardless of when the Navy observed its birth, the celebration has always been one of pride. • • • • • • • • •	14 BE BALD AND BE FREE DAY BE BALD AND BE FREE DAY October 14, 2025 BE BALD AND BE FREE DAY Be Bald and Be Free Day on October 14th celebrates the naked crown. Sometimes the day is referred to as Bald and Free Day. Bared noggins take the spotlight during this holiday. It recognizes the beauty of a naked scalp. Baldness comes in several forms, too. Partial or total, sometimes a chrome dome is by choice. Others come by it naturally. Whether your ‘chrome dome’ is the result of hair loss or shaving your head, this National Day celebrates you! And not everyone goes bald from traditional aging and hair loss. Some lose their hair from medical treatments making this observance extra special for these individuals. HOW TO OBSERVE #BeBaldAndBeFreeDay Naturally, we want you to share your bald selfies with us on social media. The day offers an opportunity to support those going through treatment as well. And definitely be sure to use #BeBaldAndBeFreeDay as a hashtag to post on your social media accounts. Also, give a shout-out to those you know who are clean on top. Whether using the day to tease or support a friend, be sure everyone enjoys the day. BE BALD AND BE FREE DAY HISTORY This day was founded by Thomas and Ruth Roy from Wellcat. NATIONAL DESSERT DAY NATIONAL DESSERT DAY October 14, 2025 NATIONAL DESSERT DAY People around the country indulge every October 14th on National Dessert Day! Celebrated by way of the local bakery, grandma’s house or chocolate shop, desserts include candies, pies, ice cream, fruits, cookies, pastries, cobblers, and donuts, too. The available ingredients affect the range of desserts made in each region. The very first desserts required minimal effort or preparation since ancient cultures were more focused on the nutrition in foods to survive. Over the years, desserts have changed from natural candies and nuts to complex soufflés and multi-layered cakes. In modern culture, there are many more options available in desserts. Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart. ~ Erma Bombeck Throughout the year, we see seasonal delights. As we near the holiday season, the flavors change. For some, the taste of gingerbread or fruitcake may come to mind. Others will pull out recipes handed down for generations. Pecan, pumpkin, and apple pies come to mind. Other rich desserts round out the dessert table, too. Flan, tarts, and everything with maple glaze.https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-dessert-day-october-14/ NATIONAL REAL SUGAR DAY NATIONAL REAL SUGAR DAY October 14, 2025 NATIONAL REAL SUGAR DAY \| October 14 October 14 is National Real Sugar Day and we celebrate the people who harvest sugar crops and learn about it’s origins. We also learn how to balance a healthy diet, while enjoying enjoy food made with real sugar. #NationalRealSugarDay Today, we dedicate the entire day to celebrating the gold standard of sweetness on National Real Sugar Day. In a March 2021 survey, 1,500 U.S. consumers were asked to name any ingredients that makes food or beverages more enjoyable to eat or drink. Of course, sugar came in as the number one ingredient. Not only does real sugar provide our food with amazing flavor, aroma, color, and texture, it is also available to anyone who wants to make their life a little sweeter. The real sugar we stock in our pantries and use in many of our favorite recipes is grown by sugar beet and sugar cane farmers across the United States. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides energy when you need it. In fact, glucose is the building block of most carbohydrates and is a key fuel source for the body. In addition, real sugar is essential for the brain, muscles, and other organs to property function. Real Sweetness What is real sugar? Real sugar comes from sugar beets and sugar cane plants through photosynthesis. After harvest, sugar plants are taken to facilities to extract and package the sugar for use in our kitchens. In addition, sugar plants also contain molasses, which is found naturally in the sugar plants. When molasses is washed away from the real sugar, the result is brown sugar. Interestingly, when you leave the molasses on the sugar plants, the result is also brown sugar. “A healthy dietary pattern limits added sugars to less than 10 percent of calories per day.” ~Dietary Guidelines for Americans How much sugar can you consume? A healthy lifestyle is about maintaining a balanced diet, which includes proper physical activity and avoiding anything in excess. A healthy balance means being able to enjoy real sugar in nutritious foods, and occasionally sweets and treats. A SWEET CELEBRATION Bake or cook something with real sugar and share with your family and friends. Visit a sugar beet or sugar cane harvest to learn how sugar cane is processed. Share your favorite sweet recipe. Host a baking day with your friends to make all of your favorite sweet treats. Teach your class about where real sugar comes from. Identify the closest state to you where sugar is grown. Share your real sugar creations on social media by posting photos and tagging #NationalRealSugarDay. MEET THE FOUNDER In 2022, National Day Calendar welcomed the Sugar Association, Inc. to the National Day Calendar Founder Family. National Real Sugar Day was born to be celebrated each year on October 14. The Sugar Association consists of 14 member companies across 17 states that proudly grow, extract, and deliver the real sugar to the American public. The Sweet History of Sugar Sugar has been around for thousands of years and is one of the oldest commodities in the world. In fact, early documentation about domestication of sugar cane dates back to 8000 BC in Papua New Guinea. According to records, the indigenous people would chew on it raw. From there, it spread across the globe. Sugar was crystallized in India for the first time around 350 CE. During this time, sugar was used to treat indigestion and stomach ailments by both Roman and Greek civilizations. Between 640-900 CE, the Chinese began developing cultivation techniques to grow and harvest sugar. However, the export of sugar would not reach Europe until around 1101 CE. A Growing Industry As the sugar industry grew, so did the invention of sugar cane presses to extract sugar more easily. In 1550, over 3,000 sugar mills were open in the Caribbean and South America. By 1751, sugar cane would enter Louisiana, making it the final sugar colony in the U.S. However, the discovery of beet sugar by German chemist Andreas Marggraf in 1747 would not reach the U.S. for another 100 years. In 1890, the first commercial sugar beet factories would open in the U.S. Interestingly, the mechanization of sugar cane cultivation began when 16 whole stalk harvesters were successfully used to harvest cane in Louisiana in 1938. Around 1946, machines would cut over 63% of the sugar crop in Louisiana. Today, real sugar grows from coast to coast and border to border of the United States. In fact, sugar cane is grown in three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. In addition, 11 states grow beats: California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. While it was once so valuable that people kept it locked in a sugar safe, advancements in extracting sugar from plants have made this versatile ingredient available to everyone. Follow Sugar Association, Inc. on all of their social media platforms. • • •	15 BRA DAY USA BRA DAY USA October 15, 2025 BRA DAY USA BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day USA is observed on the third Wednesday in October. Each breast cancer campaign brings a special focus on an area of concern. However, few shine a light on options after mastectomy or lumpectomy like BRA Day USA. While reconstruction may not be for every woman, they should have access to the available options so they can make informed decisions. Deciding whether to reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy is a personal decision. For some, the decision is a difficult one. It is important that patients are provided with all the information and tools to make the best decision for them. Remember, they’ve lived with their body, their breasts all their life. For many women, they’ve shaped the clothes they’ve worn, fed their children, and been a part of their more intimate life. Women who chose to not have reconstruction performed also have choices. Prosthetic design and technology continually advance. Each woman should be provided with all their options. Her network should support her in every way through the journey and reassure her that whatever decision she makes is the right one for her. HOW TO OBSERVE #BRADayUSA Recognize the day by supporting someone you love who’s facing a decision after a mastectomy. Offer support and listen. Help them formulate their questions for the doctor. What’s best for one person may not be the best option for another. Use #BRADayUSA to share on social media. BRA DAY USA HISTORY Dr. Mitchell Brown, a Canadian plastic surgeon, started BRA Day in 2011. The event expanded to the United States in 2012 as BRA Day USA. HAGFISH DAY HAGFISH DAY October 15, 2025 HAGFISH DAY On the third Wednesday in October, Hagfish Day brings awareness to the evolved but slimy hagfish. Hagfish are considered to be the ugliest of species. The idea behind this observance is to encourage everyone to look beyond the exterior of the Hagfish and appreciate how highly evolved they are. Not unlike a book cover, the day points out the benefits of looking deeper into the subject. The hagfish offers many benefits to the ecosystem. Despite its unappealing exterior, it scavenges the ocean floor, cleaning up the debris of dead marine animals. The slime they produce protects them from predators. While it’s thinner than human hair, the slime is stronger than nylon. Researchers are seeking the potential commercial, medical and environmental uses of slime. The military also sees its potential. For example, Navy researchers developed a synthetic hagfish slime using E.coli bacteria. U.S. Biochemist Dr. Josh Kogot and materials engineer Dr. Ryan Kincer hope the strong synthetic slime can provide added protection for naval vessels. In some cultures, this eel is even considered a delicacy. Though the meat is mild, it can have a bitter aftertaste. HOW TO OBSERVE #HagfishDay Learn more about the hagfish and its benefits. Visit an aquarium near you or read up on this fascinating creature. Use #HagfishDay to post on social media. And, if you have images of some you have caught, why not show them to the world? NATIONAL HAGFISH DAY HISTORY WhaleTimes founded Hagfish Day in 2009 to ‘beauty of ugly’ and raise awareness of the importance of all animals – not just the pretty ones. MEDICAL ASSISTANTS RECOGNITION DAY MEDICAL ASSISTANTS RECOGNITION DAY October 15, 2025 MEDICAL ASSISTANTS RECOGNITION DAY Medical Assistants Recognition Day is observed on Wednesday of the third business week in October. One of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, medical assistants make medical offices run more smoothly and are instrumental in overall quality patient care. Medical assistants are health professionals who support the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting. Their responsibilities can include both administrative and clinical duties. Depending on the type and size of the facility, what state, certifications available and the laws affected by where they work, medical assistants can play a variety of roles. When is Dental Assistant Recognition Week? On Medical Assistant’s Recognition Day, take time to thank these healthcare professionals for their dedication. HOW TO OBSERVE #MedicalAssistantsRecognitionDay Make sure your medical assistants know how much you appreciate their hard work. Host a luncheon in the office or treat them to their favorite coffee. Give out fun awards such as “Fastest on their Feet” or “Memory Better Than A Chart.” Or, take a more serious approach by offering updated training to advance their careers. Use #MedicalAssistantsRecognitionDay to post on social media. Be sure to also give a great big shout out to all you know today in healthcare! MEDICAL ASSISTANTS RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this medical-related holiday. NATIONAL AESTHETICIAN DAY NATIONAL AESTHETICIAN DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL AESTHETICIAN DAY On October 15th, we shine the spotlight on the skincare professionals who keep us looking our best. It’s National Aesthetician Day! With specialized training and personalized attention, aestheticians bring out the most radiant skin in each of us. Their knowledge and skills often go unrecognized and yet they deliver superior services every day in spas and medical clinics across the country. Addressing the complex needs of their clientele, aestheticians rejuvenate and polish even the most sensitive skin. They offer a variety of services and products to make your skin beautiful and healthy. Many services are paired with spa packages, but they can also be provided individually, too. Just a few of the services aesthetician’s offer include: Microdermabrasion Moisturizing Treatments Facials Hair Removal Aromatherapy Body scrubs And much more… Throughout the day, we recognize all the care and attention they give every day. HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONAL AESTHETICIAN DAY Give a shoutout to your favorite aesthetician. What treatments and products do you like best? If they deliver superior service and make you feel rejuvenated, they deserve your acknowledgment. Be sure to use #NationalAestheticianDay to share on social media. NATIONAL AESTHETICIAN DAY HISTORY national-aestheticians-day-logo-81COSMEDIX founded National Aesthetician Day in 2016 to honor all the hard-working aestheticians across the country providing outstanding skincare services. COSMEDIX is an Astral Health & Beauty, Inc. Company. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be observed on October 15th, annually NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY On October 15th, National Cheese Curd Day celebrates the velvety goodness of cheese curds. Cheese Curds are unique, funky, snackable little pieces of yellow or white Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Many restaurants coat and deep-fry them to a golden brown. When you bite into one, first expect a warm buttery crunch on the outside. The next delicious taste will be an ooey-gooey burst of dairyland delicacy on the inside. What are they? Well, cheesemaking naturally creates cheese curds. Fresh ones squeak when you bite into them. Cheesemakers create different flavors to appease the growing number of people enjoying cheese curds. Serve cheese curds in a variety of ways to reap the flavor benefits! Of course, you can always eat them fresh. Another includes the all-time favorite, deep-fried. Add dipping sauces for tasting options, too!! Choose from ranch, more cheese sauce, spicy siracha, tangy dill, barbeque, and more. Cheese curds find their way into recipes, also. Poutine has been popular for decades. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheeseCurdDay Go out to dinner and order some for your appetizer. You can also bring some fresh cheese curds home to snack on later. Share your favorite flavor of squeaky cheese and use #NationalCheeseCurdDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CHEESE CURD HISTORY Culver’s founded National Cheese Curd Day in 2015 to celebrate the delicious and snackable treat. National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on October 15th, annually. Enjoy celebrating this National Day with family and friends! About Culvers: Culver’s was founded in the Dairy State and proudly serves real Wisconsin Cheese Curds. Culver’s and National Day Calendar have officially declared Oct. 15th National Cheese Curd Day to give this most delicious of Wisconsin treat gets the attention and adoration it deserves. NATIONAL FOSSIL DAY™ NATIONAL FOSSIL DAY™ October 15, 2025 NATIONAL FOSSIL DAY™ National Fossil Day promotes the scientific and educational value fossils present to us every day. Not only that, they’re just cool! The observance takes place annually on Wednesday of the second full week in October. All around the world, paleontologists seek and identify the remnants of animals, insects and plant life that once lived and grew on the earth. Some of these creatures lived hundreds, thousands and millions of years ago. These fossils leave a record that provides clues to the Earth’s history. From the microscopic fossils of an arthropod to the gigantic titanosaur, humans continue to be fascinated with fossils. The idea of discovering something embedded in ancient sediment motivates some to keep digging. Paleontologists identify fossils much like biologists identify the discovery of a new species of animal or plant life. They classify, name and organize fossils based on their characteristics. In the scientific world, the scientist who makes the discovery also earns the naming rights. Frequently, the names are entirely scientific, using Latin or Greek roots. However, paleontologists enjoy being creative. For example, fourteen-year-old Wes Linster discovered Bambiraptor Feinbergi in 1993. The name means Bambi thief. Some scientists name their discoveries after living people. In the case of one trilobite that made it into the record books, the name Aegrotocatellus jaggeri comes the rock legend, Mick Jagger. While fossils were real living beings, the mystery and magic of fossils cannot be overlooked. One of the latest additions to the fossil library reminds us of that. Its name, Dracorex hogwartsia, honors the Hogwarts family. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFossilDay Visit a local museum, or do some research about fossils. Attend an event or sponsor one. While you’re out discovering the world of fossils, tell us about your favorites. Let us know by using #NationalFossilDay to post on social media. Do you want to discover even more about fossils? We share with you 5 Fantastic First Fossil Discoveries. You can also visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for project ideas and resources that help you Celebrate Every Day in the classroom. NATIONAL FOSSIL DAY HISTORY On October 13, 2010, the first National Fossil Day launched across the country during Earth Science Week to celebrate the educational and scientific value fossils provide. The National Park Service and over 270 partners hosted events across the United States, allowing the public opportunities to learn more about the world’s fossil heritage. The partners include museums, institutions, organizations, and many other groups. Each year the sponsors create a new National Fossil Day logo depicting a prehistoric organism. The logos promote National Fossil Day and provide educational opportunities to share more information about fossils. The original National Fossil Day logo was created in 2010 and featured a fossil mammal known as the titanothere. Other featured fossils include: 2011, the marine reptile known as the mosasaur was used as the official logo. 2012, the mammoth was featured in the annual logo. 2013, a Paleozoic invertebrate known as the eurypterid was highlighted in the annual logo. NATIONAL GROUCH DAY NATIONAL GROUCH DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL GROUCH DAY National Grouch Day on October 15th sends out notices to all the grouches of the world to be their truest grouch. If you are a grouch, today is your special day. According to Sesame Street Magazine, the day celebrates all grouches and their way of life. Sometimes grumps give backhanded compliments. “Your house looked horrible until you painted it.” Other times they don’t give them at all. Noise, silence, general activity makes a grouch generally unpleasant. As per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a grouch is described as: a person who complains frequently or constantly a habitually irritable or complaining person It seems that a grouch may be happy (although they would never admit it) only when others are unhappy and grouchy. It is then that they feel most comfortable with having others share in their grumpy, cantankerous, surly world with them. National Grouch Day would be a good time to send a grouch e-card and then ask a friend, whether they be a grouch or not, to come on over, sit back, share some popcorn, relax and watch the movie Grumpy Old Men! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrouchDay May your ice be too cold and your slinky too springy! Share your awful insults by using #NationalGrouchDay on social media. We hope the jelly from your sardine sandwich makes your keyboard sticky! NATIONAL GROUCH DAY HISTORY This Sesame Street-inspired holiday has been celebrated since at least 1976 and celebrates the grouch’s way of life. NATIONAL I LOVE LUCY DAY NATIONAL I LOVE LUCY DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL I LOVE LUCY DAY On October 15th, National I Love Lucy Day celebrates one of television’s all-time greatest shows; I Love Lucy. I Love Lucy, an American sitcom starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley made its debut on October 15, 1951. The program created a new television experience with the first filmed and scripted program performed before a live audience. The studio literally knocked a hole in a concrete wall creating room for theater seating inviting the once-banned fans to see the stars perform – for free! The new format and I Love Lucy won five Emmy Awards and received numerous nominations. In four of its six seasons, I Love Lucy was the most-watched show in the United States. The sitcom was a world of television firsts. It even ended on a first. The I Love Lucy show became the first to end its run at the top of the Nielsen ratings. In 2002, TV Guide ranked the sitcom as television’s 2nd greatest show of all time, and in 2007 it landed on TIME Magazine’s “100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME” list. HOW TO OBSERVE #ILoveLucyDay There are so many ways to celebrate this day. Experience the flavor of I Love Lucy by cooking recipes from The I Love Lucy Cookbook. Test your knowledge of the sitcom by reading the I Love Lucy Book of Trivia. Lucille Ball knew how to turn a phrase. Read more in The Quotable I Love Lucy. Watch a documentary or your favorite episodes. Dress up as the iconic comedian and bring some humor to those around you. Share your favorite Lucy antics and use #ILoveLucyDay to post on social media. I LOVE LUCY DAY HISTORY National Dy Calendar® continues researching the origins of this pop culture day. NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on October 15th encourages prevention, testing, and open dialogue concerning HIV and AIDS. Over 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV/AIDS, and one in seven of them aren’t aware that they have it. Throughout the year, awareness days focus on specific communities and their unique needs concerning prevention and awareness. This observance focuses on the Latino and Hispanic communities. The NLAAD campaign works annually at building better opportunities for non-profit organizations and health departments to reach Latino/Hispanic communities. The campaign includes promoting HIV testing, providing HIV prevention information, and improving access to care. Culture, language, and heritage may be barriers to understanding the risks and becoming more educated about the disease. The day aims to break down those barriers and bring more awareness to the Latino communities. HIV is a virus that causes an infection. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) develops when someone contracts HIV. Once you have developed AIDS, you have it for life. That’s why prevention and testing are vital to stopping and treating the virus. The Centers for Disease Control recommends anyone between the age of 13 and 64 receive an HIV test as part of a routine physical. For those who are sexually active, the CDC recommends testing once per year and sometimes more frequently, depending on risk factors. The day encourages a more open dialogue between partners as well. Improving understanding of the disease and access to testing helps reduce risk. HOW TO OBSERVE #LatinoAIDSAwarenessDay Get tested every few months, and know your partner’s HIV status. Click here to find an HIV testing location near you. Have sex that isn’t risky. Use a condom every time you have sex. Limit your number of sexual partners. If you are having sex with more than one person, get tested regularly. Talk to a medical professional about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is an HIV/AIDS prevention option for those who do not have HIV but are at high risk of becoming infected. Don’t inject drugs. Translated materials are available. Ask for them if they aren’t offered. Eliminate the stigma. Open the dialogue. Use #LatinoAIDSAwarenessDay to post on social media. NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), the Hispanic Federation and many other organizations promotes National Latino AIDS Awareness Day NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on October 15th offers a day of remembrance to parents, family, and friends for pregnancy loss and infant death. Pregnancy loss and infant death may include but are not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or the death of a newborn. Since 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss, many families know the grief of this kind of loss. It’s often not spoken about, and yet, those who mourn often need support and understanding. The experience is painful and sometimes overwhelming. HOW TO OBSERVE #PregnancyAndInfantLossRemembranceDay Communities and organizations across the country show support with candlelight vigils, walks, and other ceremonies. Visit nationalshare.org to find support and ways to support others with pregnancy and infant loss. Use #PregnancyAndInfantLossRemembranceDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY HISTORY On October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness movement began. In 2002, the October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Campaign began as an American movement. Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak petitioned the federal government as well as the governors of each of the 50 states resulting in 20 signing proclamations recognizing October 15, 2002, as the first observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (PAILRD). The House of Representatives passed Concurrent Resolution H.Con>RES.222 on September 28, 2006, supporting the goals and ideals represented by the observance. All 50 states yearly proclaim the day with eight states enacting permanent proclamations. These states are Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, and South Dakota. Around the world, other countries observe the day on October 15th. For example, Canadian provinces and territories have officially proclaimed the awareness day. And in recent years, the United Kingdom, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Italy have joined the movement. The observance takes place during National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY October 15, 2025 NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY National Shawarma Day on October 15th celebrates the Middle Eastern rotisserie method of cooking meats such as lamb, chicken, and beef and the dishes it makes. Not only does shawarma bring mouth-watering flavour, but it also can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Bursting with a marinade of Mediterranean herbs and spices, shawarma chicken slowly cooks on a vertical rotisserie spit. The tender meat is then thinly sliced, grilled and added to a pita wrap with a variety of toppings. Customize this flavourful dish with fresh vegetables, cheese and a variety of herbs. Special sauces enhance the enjoyment of this delectable dish as well, such as the customer favourite Osmow’s™ garlic sauce. No matter how you like your shawarma, the combinations are endless. Not in the mood for a wrap? Shawarma also tastes great on a salad, rice or fries. Anything exploding with this much flavour deserves a celebration! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShawarmaDay Experience a flavour-filled shawarma! Order lamb, beef, chicken, or even Beyond Meat® to celebrate. Share the shawarma experience by inviting a friend to join you. Any foodie will want in on the celebration. While you’re savouring every bite, be sure to share your favourite shawarma on social media. Look for special offers from Osmow’s and brand equivalents to help you satisfy your shawarma cravings, too! And then, be sure to share your celebration on social media using #NationalShawarmaDay. NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY HISTORY Osmow’s founded National Shawarma Day in 2020 to celebrate the Middle Eastern flavours offered in delicious shawarma. Celebrate with one of Osmow’s signature dishes. Whether it’s a wrap, on the ROCKS™ (rice) or STIX™ (fries) or another customer favourite poutine, you’ll be sure to keep coming back for more! The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Shawarma Day to be observed on October 15th, annually. About Osmow’s Founded in 2001 by Sam Osmow, the first Osmow’s store was located in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada & remains a successful operation to this day. Sam saw an opportunity to bring his Egyptian roots to the Canadian landscape blending traditional Egyptian cuisine balanced with a North American palette. Thus filling a void in the current fast, casual culinary marketplace. Osmow’s flavourful dishes with their signature sauces such as the fan-favourite garlic sauce keeps bringing customers back again and again to satisfy their cravings. The restaurant has grown to more than 100 locations and is expanding across Canada. Osmow’s also invites all other Mediterranean brands to celebrate October 15th as National Shawarma Day as we continue to grow this exciting flavourful food niche in the spirit of diversity and cultural exploration SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY October 15, 2025 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day is observed annually on the third Wednesday in October. The Chamber of Commerce’s primary objective is strengthening local businesses of all sizes. The best way to honor this organization is to use the services of local chamber businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been in existence since 1912. President William Howard Taft first brought the concept for an organization that would represent the concerns of U.S. businesses in an address before Congress in December of 1911. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers numerous programs both nationally and internationally in support of businesses. Whether they’re raising awareness of regulations, setting initiatives, or campaigning for better markets, the Chamber provides support to the communities they serve. Additionally, they provide outstanding resources for startups, online businesses, and those looking to advance their business outlook worldwide. HOW TO OBSERVE Volunteer for a Chamber of Commerce event. Give a shout-out to your local Chamber of Commerce and how they benefit your community. While you’re at it, be sure to use #SupportYourLocalChamberOfCommerce to post on social media. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this enterprising holiday. WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY October 15, 2025 WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY National White Cane Safety Day on October 15th annually celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired. The day marks the importance of recognizing the white cane. The white cane is not only a tool. It also represents the independence of those who are blind worldwide. This day has been set aside to celebrate all of the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired, and the principal symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane. While technological advancements continue to improve the lives of the blind and visually impaired, the white cane continues to be a basic necessity for leading an independent and productive life. The white cane extends a person’s senses allowing them to determine steps, unlevel pavement, and obstacles. But it also provides a level of safety as a signal to the seeing public. It’s important not to disrupt the path of someone with a white cane or to steer them in another direction. A skilled user allows the cane to find the clearest way. HOW TO OBSERVE #WhiteCaneSafetyDay The best way to provide assistance is by keeping aisles and doorways clear of boxes and other debris is one good first step. However, the day primarily focuses on the independence and equality of those with visual impairments. Their vision shouldn’t be a hindrance to attaining their goals and dreams, and the white cane symbolizes those achievements. Use #WhiteCaneSafetyDay to post on social media. NATIONAL WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY HISTORY Following a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress, H.R. 753 became a law on October 6, 1964, authorizing the president to proclaim White Cane Safety Day. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first proclamation for White Cane Safety Day on October 15, 1964. This day was also named Blind Americans Equality Day in 2011 by President Barack Obama. There is always so much more one can do to make a difference. For more information regarding White Cane Safety Day from the National Federation of the Blind. • • • • • • • • • • • • •	16 Event October 16, 2025 GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY Get to Know Your Customers Day reminds businesses to reach out to patrons and get to know them better. The day is observed annually on the third Thursday of each quarter (January, April, July, October). #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay When businesses get to know their customers, they also get to know more about what they need to grow. Remember when Main Street businesses were locally owned and operated? The owners knew you by name and knew your shopping habits. Additionally, they typically knew what you wanted to buy. Not surprisingly, they were willing to get it in for you if they didn’t have it. Unfortunately, with the advent of the Internet and big-box stores, much of the personal attention has gone by the wayside. Get to Know Your Customers Day is a day to turn that around. Make it a point to get to know a little more about your customers. Most importantly, make each of them feel like they are your most important customer of the day. DEPARTMENT STORE DAY DEPARTMENT STORE DAY October 16, 2025 DEPARTMENT STORE DAY On October 16th Department Store Day urges us to consider how department store innovations have impacted shopping in our daily lives. In existence since the early 19th century, department stores provided safe, clean environments for the new middle class to shop. They often offered many firsts, combining services with revolutionary style and convenience. Many department stores had lunch counters where shoppers could take a break for a drink, snack or lunch. Through an era when merchandising and sales could be described as an art form, the brick and mortar stores were often magnificent pieces of architecture. With large clocks, brass, and statuary, the customer’s satisfaction was key. Some departments fill entire floors, making grand escalators, elevators, and plush seating a must. While department stores are on the decline, many shoppers still enjoy browsing through the latest styles, testing out the newest electronics, and having someone assist them with the details of a purchase. Many shoppers couple the advantages of comparison shopping online catalogs, then visit their department store for the real-feel decision. HOW TO OBSERVE #DepartmentStoreDay Learn more about department store history. Watch documentaries such as The Store or Secrets of Selfridges. And since we know some department stores lure us in with their enticing displays, share your favorite! Of course, retail therapy is always an option. Visit your favorite department store and explore the sales. Use #DepartmentStoreDay to post on social media. DEPARTMENT STORE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this retail holiday. GLOBAL CAT DAY GLOBAL CAT DAY October 16, 2025 GLOBAL CAT DAY Global Cat Day on October 16th raises awareness surrounding non-lethal feline programs across the country. More than any other shelter animal, cats and kittens face euthanization at a much higher rate. However, programs such as trap, neuter, and release (TNR) are making it possible for cats to live full and healthy lives right in our neighborhoods. TNR programs aim to reduce shelters and overall colony populations across the country. TNR programs trap feral and stray cats. They are then neutered and vaccinated under the care of a veterinarian. Their ears are tipped to identify that they have been neutered. Then the cat is released back into the neighborhood where they were captured. Long-term studies across the country show that not only does the population decline, but the cats live out their lives healthily. Additionally, these programs save taxpayers money over time. Reduces animal service calls Lessens the burden on shelters Neighborhoods become quieter – mating behavior decreases Why Adoption Doesn’t Always Work Feral cats – cats that have never had human contact – don’t associate well with humans. They will always be feral and unable to be adopted. Feral cats prefer the wild. A TNR program offers them the best chance of living side by side with humans. However, adoption is still a viable option for stray cats and kittens under 12 weeks of age. Visit your local shelter if you are seeking a pet of your own. HOW TO OBSERVE #GlobalCatDay Learn more about TNR programs. Donate or volunteer to support a program near you. Help protect and control the cat population in your neighborhood in a humane way. Share information about TNR programs to make a difference. Visit AlleyCat.org to find out more. Use #GlobalCatDay to post on social media. GLOBAL CAT DAY HISTORY Global Cat Day (2017) takes the place of National Feral Cat Day, which was initiated by Alley Cat Allies in 2001. NATIONAL DICTIONARY DAY NATIONAL DICTIONARY DAY October 16, 2025 NATIONAL DICTIONARY DAY National Dictionary Day on October 16th defines celebration as it commemorates the birthday of Noah Webster. In 1806, American Noah Webster published his first dictionary, A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language. Webster immediately began compiling an expanded and fully comprehensive dictionary, An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1807; it took twenty-seven years to complete. To evaluate the etymology of words, Webster learned twenty-six languages, including Old English (Anglo-Saxon), German, Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Arabic, and Sanskrit. Webster completed his dictionary during his year abroad in Paris, France, at the University of Cambridge. His book contained seventy thousand words, of which twelve thousand had never appeared in a published dictionary before. As a spelling reformer, he believed that the English spelling rules were unnecessarily complicated, so in his dictionary, he introduced American English spellings. For example, Webster replaced “colour” with “color,” “waggon” with “wagon,” and “center” instead of “centre.” Webster also added American words such as “skunk” and “squash” that did not appear in British dictionaries. He believed the United States “should be as independent in literature as she is in politics.” Some of his changes didn’t catch on, however. Dropping the silent “e” at the end of some words like in the word imagine. Webster took a more phonetic approach to the development of his dictionary. Interestingly, the word didn’t appear when Webster published his dictionary in 1828 at the age of seventy. However, of the 70,000 entries, the word phonics is one. The dictionary sold 2500 copies. In 1840, the second edition published in two volumes. Additionally, Webster’s 1828 Dictionary is available online. By entering the modern-day spelling, the website generates Webster’s 1828 version. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDictionaryDay Celebrate by learning a new word or two! Play a fun dictionary-based game, like Balderdash or Scrabble. While you celebrate, use #NationalDictionaryDay to post on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for project ideas, puzzles, and more. There are even a couple for this word related national day! NATIONAL DICTIONARY DAY HISTORY National Dictionary Day was created in honor of Noah Webster’s birthday (October 16, 1758). The observance emphasizes the importance of learning while using dictionary skills and increasing one’s vocabulary. Webster is considered the Father of the American Dictionary. NATIONAL LIQUEUR DAY NATIONAL LIQUEUR DAY October 16, 2025 NATIONAL LIQUEUR DAY National Liqueur Day on October 16th annually celebrates the myriad classes and flavors of liqueur. The word liqueur comes from the Latin liquifacere, which means to liquefy. A liqueur is an alcoholic beverage made from a distilled spirit. Distillers flavor the spirit with fruit, cream, herbs, spices, flowers, or nuts. Next, they bottle it with added sugar or other sweeteners. While liqueurs are typically considerably sweet, distillers do not usually age their product long. They do, however, allow a resting period during production, which allows the flavors to marry. With the broad selection of spirits available in seasonal, fragrant, and often curious flavors (vodkas and rums in particular), there is often confusion of liqueurs and liquors. In the United States and Canada, spirits are frequently called liquor. The most reliable rule of thumb to follow suggests that liqueurs comprise a sweeter, syrupy consistency, while liquors do not. Most liqueurs also have a lower alcohol content than spirits. However, some do contain as much as 55% ABV. NATIONAL SPORTS DAY NATIONAL SPORTS DAY October 16, 2025 NATIONAL SPORTS DAY October is prime time for National Sports Day. That’s why on October 16th, the fans, families, and athletes of all the sports converge to celebrate their favorite athletic events. All disciplines of a sport take the field, from the youngest to the seasoned professional. While golfers hit the links to get at least nine more holes before the snow flies, hoopsters gear up for the season ahead. The puck hits center ice early in October, while baseball aims for the bleachers and clears the bases. Football is heating up with tackles, kicks, and offsides. Don’t forget, volleyball digs midseason, too. Runners in most of the country love October. Events like 5k, half, and full marathons throughout the nation feature opportunities to enjoy the fall weather and beautifully changing landscapes. In the Western Hemisphere, families gather to watch soccer’s final kickoff. The intensity builds, and every game ends with memories of wicked kicks or the goalie’s best save. From a young age, family road trips took many to cheer on siblings in a variety of sports. We hauled our gear from place to place, and the team knew the season was drawing to a close when the duffle bags began to smell. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSportsDay Gather your friends to enjoy watching your favorite team. Get out and play, too. No matter your skill level, relishing the challenge and physical activity will be worth it. Besides, getting together with friends and family to celebrate a favored pastime is one of the best ways to Celebrate Every Day®. And when you do, take a team photo and share it using #NationalSportsDay. You can learn more about the sports you love in 6 Brief Histories of Sports in America. NATIONAL SPORTS DAY HISTORY Wale RocksNational Sports Day - 1v1 Soccer Championship (pronounced Wally) in partnership with National Day Calendar founded National Sports Day in 2019 to celebrate the athletes, families, and fans of all sports. National Sports Day is about the benefits of sporting competition. When our youth have an opportunity to play competitively, they advance their skills and build great habits to take with them into adulthood. Family members who support them create a bond that brings them together, improving the family unit and communities throughout the nation. Children excel at a sport when given a chance to practice under the pressure of competition in the game brain. And with soccer becoming a National Sport for all ages, Wale Rocks chose it as their first sport to spotlight. With all sports, practice is vital. However, time touching the ball under the pressure of competition makes players excel. With the support of great coaches working their magic, these young novices mature into confident players. How exciting to watch their confidence grow. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Sports Day in 2019 to be observed on October 16th, annually. Sports FAQ Q. What is the most popular sport in the world? A. With over 3.5 billion fans worldwide, soccer clearly harnesses the favored sport status. FIFA estimates 265 million play the sport. The sport’s top tournament lasts a month-long every four years and captures an audience of 517 million viewers. In 2018, over 3 million fans attended the tournament, not to mention the billions who watched or listened around the world. Q. What is the world’s oldest sport? A. Wrestling earns the title for oldest competitive sport. Evidence of the sport dates back 15,000 years. Q. What is the oldest team sport? A. Ulama is not only the oldest team sport, but it is also the oldest known sport to use a ball. The game developed around 3,500 years ago in Central and Southern America. • • • • • •	17 BLACK POETRY DAY BLACK POETRY DAY October 17, 2025 BLACK POETRY DAY Black Poetry Day on October 17th honors past and present black poets. The day also commemorates the birth of the first published black poet in the United States. Jupiter Hammon was born in Long Island, New York, on October 17th, 1711. The day celebrates the importance of black heritage and literacy. It also recognizes the contributions made by black poets and shows appreciation to black authors. Take up a quiet spot at the library to read many of the talented black poets from around the world. Or find a poetry reading at a nearby bookstore, cultural or arts center like the Furious Flower Poetry Center at James Madison University. The first center of its kind in the United States, The Furious Flower’s name is inspired by a poem written by former U.S. Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks. They also have a growing collection of resources, offer workshops and so much more. HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackPoetryDay Host a poetry slam in your living room, front step, or in the break room. Encourage a black poet you know. Attend a poetry reading or share your own poetry. Pick up some poetry written by black poets. Explore the poetry of Jessie Redmon Fauset, Robert Hayden, Wanda Phips or Arna Bontemps. As you celebrate, be sure to use #BlackPoetryDay to post on social media. BLACK POETRY DAY HISTORY Black Poetry Day was established in 1985 honoring the birth of the first Black poet published in the United States, Jupiter Hammon. The poet is considered the father of African American Literature. Born into slavery, Hammon received an education, learned to read, and was allowed the use of the manor library. NATIONAL BOSS’S DAY NATIONAL BOSS’S DAY October 17, 2025 NATIONAL BOSS’S DAY On October 16th, National Boss’s Day, also known as National Boss Day or Bosses Day, recognizes the hardworking boss overseeing the workplace. Employees across the United States show appreciation and thankfulness to their bosses. They remember their boss’s kindness and fairness throughout the year, too. (If the 16th of October falls on a weekend, then this day is celebrated on the closest working day.) Many leaders carry heavy loads. They oversee many employees and guide their careers, too. While their position holds them responsible for a department, business, or organization and leading it to success, their list of responsibilities is multifaceted. Some bosses have bosses themselves. Depending on the size of an organization, those bosses also answer to someone else. In fact, everyone has a boss of some kind. If your boss is the owner, they still answer to the taxman, the customers, and their merchants. Keeping a business running smoothly with outstanding employees requires balance. These bosses know how to put their best employees forward and lead with the confidence that we look up to. HOW TO OBSERVE #BossDay We can celebrate our bosses in numerous ways. Give your boss the day off with a game of golf. Host a potluck with your boss’s favorite foods. Have everyone in the office sign a card of appreciation. Invite customers or clients to share memories of your boss. Create a timeline of your boss’s accomplishments. Give them a shout-out using #BossDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BOSS’S DAY HISTORY National Boss’s Day, also known as National Boss Day or Bosses Day, is a secular holiday that began in 1958. Patricia Bays Haroski worked as a secretary for State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois when she registered “National Boss’s Day” with the United States Chamber of Commerce. She selected October 16th because it was her father’s birthday and at the time, he was also her employer! Four years later, in 1962, Illinois Governor, Otto Kerner, backed Haroski’s registration and officially proclaimed Boss’s day. In 1979, Hallmark Cards introduced Boss’s Day cards to their inventory. NATIONAL EDGE DAY NATIONAL EDGE DAY October 17, 2025 NATIONAL EDGE DAY National Edge Day on October 17th promotes a movement of youth refraining from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. As part of the Straight Edge movement, teens and young adults pledge to live a clean lifestyle. Many who follow the movement also abstain from recreational sex and unhealthy food choices. The day also encourages the support of those who chose to live the Straight Edge lifestyle. Abstaining from tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs is not an indication someone is dull. Many who live on the edge, do so without these chemical enhancements. Some may travel and explore the world. They may be thrill-seekers or collectors of knowledge. Perhaps they absorb languages and music instead. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEdgeDay Learn more about the Straight Edge movement and what it means. While most events occur on the East Coast, the movement is growing. Join an event near you or organize one. Share your events on social media using #NationalEdgeDay to post on social media. NATIONAL EDGE DAY HISTORY In 1999, the Straight Edge movement launch this national day with an event held in Boston, Massachusetts under the name of “Edge Fest.” Straight Edge is a subculture and subgenre of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. The movement adopted the term from the song “Straight Edge” by the 1980s hardcore punk band, Minor Threat. NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY October 17, 2025 NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY Every year on the third Friday in October, National Mammography Day joins in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This day serves as a reminder to all women that the best defense is early detection. A mammogram can often detect a problem before there is any outward physical sign. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States according to the CDC. The CDC statistics also report that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed among women. Screenings and breast exams are a part of the early detection process. When you schedule an annual appointment with your physician, make sure a breast exam is completed, too. Tell your doctor about any changes. If you or your doctor notices any signs, the doctor can order tests, including a sonogram or mammogram. Finally, a preventative mammogram is the last line of defense. Today’s mammograms offer more vivid detail of the breast tissue. Baseline mammograms are provided around the age of 35 unless family history indicates sooner. The baseline mammogram provides a comparison view for your physician should something develop later down the line. Women age 40 and over are recommended to receive yearly preventative mammograms. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMammographyDay Visit your doctor and set up a mammogram. Encourage loved ones in your life to also schedule a mammogram. Know your family history and share it with your physician. Some with high risk will need to have their first mammography sooner. Use #NationalMammographyDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY HISTORY President Bill Clinton proclaimed this National Day in 1993. NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY October 17, 2025 NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY National Mulligan Day is observed annually on October 17th. In golf, a mulligan happens when a player gets a second chance to perform a specific move or action. The day offers an opportunity for giving yourself a second chance or, as some people call it, a “do-over.” According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), three different stories explain the origin of the term. The first derives from the name of a Canadian golfer, David Mulligan, a one-time manager of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, who played golf in the 1920s. A different, later, etymology gives credit to John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells C.C., New Jersey, in the 1930s. Another story, according to author Henry Beard, states that the term comes from Thomas Mulligan, a minor Anglo-Irish aristocrat and a passionate golfer who was born in 1793. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), the term first achieved widespread use in the 1940s. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMulliganDay We can all think of something that at one point in time, we have said, “I wish I could do that over.” Celebrate the day by taking your do-over. Also, be considerate and offer a Mulligan to a few friends and neighbors out there. Some days we all deserve it. Use #NationalMulliganDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY HISTORY C. Daniel Rhodes of Hoover, AL, National Mulligan Day as a way to give everyone a day to have a fresh start. Along with Mulligan Day, Rhodes created Brother’s Day (May 24) and National Garage Sale Day (Second Saturday in August). NATIONAL PASTA DAY NATIONAL PASTA DAY October 17, 2025 NATIONAL PASTA DAY October is National Pasta Month, and October 17th recognizes National Pasta Day. Pasta lovers celebrate! While we find noodles all over the world, pasta is a type of noodle of traditional Italian cuisine. The first reference dates to 1154 in Sicily and was first attested to in English in 1874. Typically, it is made from an unleavened dough of durum wheat flour. The flour is mixed with water or eggs and formed into sheets or various shapes. It can then be served fresh or dried to be stored for later use. Types of PastaLook for pasta in pasta in both savory and dessert dishes. Since it’s so versatile, pasta lends itself to sweet and every other dish on the table. Cooks feature pasta as a main dish, but they also serve up delicious hot and cold side dishes as well. And then, of course, those special desserts we can’t resist making our mouths water. Cooks originally made fresh pasta by hand. However, today, many varieties of fresh pasta are made commercially. Large-scale machines bring choices to our grocers daily. Smaller pasta machines on the market make having the freshest pasta at home even easier. Dried and fresh pasta come in several shapes and varieties. There are so many kinds of pasta! According to the Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini De Vita, 310 specific kinds of pasta identified by over 1300 names have been documented. In Italy, names of specific pasta shapes or types vary with locale. Example: Cavatelli is known by 28 different names depending on the region and town. The size and shape of pasta may determine the best sauce to pair with it, too. For example, serve linguine with lighter, thinner sauces to avoid breaking the noodles. A similarly shaped noodle, fettuccine, is less delicate. That’s why it carries heavier sauces like alfredo. Learn more about pasta from the National Pasta Association. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPastaDay Explore the world of pasta. Whether you’re cooking up a salad, main dish, or dessert, recipes abound. We offer several on our recipe page, too! If you don’t feel like cooking, take the family out to an Italian restaurant. No matter what you are planning, invite friends to join you. It’s the best way to Celebrate Every Day®! #NationalPastaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PASTA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. • • • • • •	18 Event October 18, 2025 NATIONAL SWEETEST DAY National Sweetest Day is observed on the third Saturday in October by people of all ages. For over 100 years, National Sweetest Day encourages everyone to be generous even in the smallest ways. From its inception as Candy Day in 1916, this day reminds us that even small tokens improve the lives of those around us. While the observance started with candy and sweets given to our sweethearts and friends, the day is full of lessons in persistence, resilience, and doing small things greatly. On National Sweetest Day, take care of all those who need extra attention. Even those who need significant care, when given the smallest token, will feel the effects. A little treat, a card, a show of support during a time of need may be the sweetest gift on this day. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSweetestDay Give a gift to someone who needs a reminder of the sweetness in the world. It is, after all, the Sweetest Day of the Year. We also suggest these sweet ways to celebrate! Gather friends for a candy-making session. Make candies to give and share with others. Write or type up your favorite candy recipes to share with friends and family. Be sure to include a sample of the recipe for tasting! Surprise a co-worker with their favorite coffee. Invite a friend for dinner. Leave a card or note with kind words for a neighbor, new co-worker or your child. Pack your spouse’s lunch for them. Cheer up someone you know with a smile and a funny story. Share donuts. You can never go wrong with donuts. Read these 7 Ways to Be Thoughtful. Use #NationalSweetestDay to post on social media. NATIONAL SWEETEST DAY HISTORY National Sweetest Day found its beginnings in a holiday founded by the National Confectioners’ Association in 1916 called Candy Day. On October 14, 1916, candy shops around the country filled newspapers announcing their sweetest treats and delights. Originally designated to be celebrated the second Saturday of every October, the confectioners’ convention in Detroit in May of 1916 made the final resolution. Walter C. Hughes, the secretary of the National Confectioners’ Association, encouraged Americans to patronizes their local candy shops, bakers, and druggist for the highest quality confections. Candy Day Early advertisements found in Indiana, Minnesota, and Texas newspapers mention the “Sweetest Day of the Year” in reference to Candy Day. However, it was not the official name of the day – not yet. By 1917 war raging in Europe, and many retailers encouraged patrons to “Get one for yourself and one for the boys overseas!” Then in April of 1918, the United States officially entered the war in Europe, and with that came rationing. Sugar, as well as many other commodities, became scarce. Sponsors shelved the holiday just as it was starting to see such success. Sweetest Day of the Year Returns With the end of the war in 1919, sweetness returned to October. So sweet, in fact, Candy Day became an entire week. Then in 1923, the day kicked into full charitable swing. Sweetest Day’s theme of charity and giving became apparent in 1921. At the time, four Michigan confectioners united with the Red Cross. Those confectioners included the Detroit Retail Confectioners, Detroit Wholesale Confections Club, Detroit Jobbing Confectioners Association, and the Michigan Confectioners Club. Together, they distributed thousands of bags of candy to hospitals, orphanages, shelters, and homes across Michigan. The celebration also included 100 regulation army target balloons, which dropped coupons worth a box of candy. In 1929, Sweetest Day settled into its current home, the third Saturday in October. INTERNATIONAL LEGGING DAY INTERNATIONAL LEGGING DAY October 18, 2025 INTERNATIONAL LEGGING DAY Get geared up for International Legging Day every October 18th. Although it’s a year-round staple, when temps drop in the fall, it’s officially legging season! Once a necessity providing an added layer of warmth, the legging is now an iconic style combining comfort and fashion. Leggings truly set a trend in the 1950s and ‘60s as a standard wardrobe piece and workout essential. Over time, breathable materials, textures, designs, and prints ushered in the undeniable era of leggings. Now, modern-day leggings are feats of engineering designed to enhance your workout. While they continue to be a gym essential, legging styles are now so versatile that they’re widely acceptable to wear as pants. In a wide range of looks, comfortable leggings offer something for everyone. As the popularity of athleisure skyrockets, so too does the mass appeal of the legging. Clearly, this comfortable, curve-hugging style hasn’t just revolutionized what we wear to the gym—it’s revolutionized what we wear everywhere! The versatile legging has sparked a global revolution that encourages women to embrace comfort and stay active. HOW TO OBSERVE #LeggingDay Put your best legging forward! Proudly wear your favorite pair and go shopping for more. Consider this your chance to break the dress code—whether it’s at the office or that five-star restaurant you’re dining at tonight. After all, feeling comfortable is what the day’s really all about. Share your favorite looks and styles by using #LeggingDay on social media on October 18th. INTERNATIONAL LEGGING DAY HISTORY Fabletics Fabletics founded International Legging Day in 2019 to celebrate the year-round style staple during the official legging season. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed International Legging Day to be observed on October 18th, annually. NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY October 18, 2025 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY National Chocolate Cupcake Day on October 18th annually celebrates the sweetness of small chocolate cakes. With a dollop of frosting, one sweet serving satisfies chocolate and cake lovers! Cupcakes have also been called: Fairy Cakes Patty Cakes Cup Cakes (different from Cupcakes (one-word)) Cupcakes can be traced back to 1796 when a recipe notation of “a cake to be baked in small cups” was written in American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons. The earliest known documentation of the term cupcake was in 1828 in Seventy-five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats in Eliza Leslie’s Receipts cookbook. Bakers initially baked their cupcakes in heavy pottery cups. However, bakers today use a plethora of tools at their fingertips. Some still use individual ramekins, small coffee mugs, large teacups, or other small ovenproof pottery-type dishes for baking their cupcakes. Of course, the most common cupcake tool is the muffin or cupcake pan. This handy tool includes multiple cups in one device. Chocolate cupcakes come in a variety of flavors, too. Of course, there’s always the standard chocolate cupcake. But why stop there on a holiday? Chocolate caramel cupcakes satisfy that extra cry for sweetness. Peanut butter chocolate cupcakes are the snacker’s delight. Get devilishly good cupcakes with Devil’s Food. Cool things off a bit with chocolate mint recipes, too. And you can’t forget chocolate orange cupcakes. Citrus brightens the flavor of any chocolate recipe. HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateCupcakeDay Celebrate by trying one of the following tempting recipes while watching an episode of the Food Network reality-based competition show, Cupcake Wars. Remember to invite friends or family over to share. That’s how we like to #CelebrateEveryDay! NATIONAL EXASCALE DAY NATIONAL EXASCALE DAY October 18, 2025 NATIONAL EXASCALE DAY On October 18 (1018), National Exascale Day celebrates the scientists and researchers who make breakthrough discoveries in medicine, materials sciences, energy and beyond with the help of some of the fastest supercomputers in the world. We like to say that National Exascale Day celebrates those who keep asking what if, why not, and what’s next — with the advanced technology to attain the answers. This era in technology will have a profound impact on nearly every aspect of our daily lives. It will impact everything from healthcare and manufacturing to understanding new energy sources and the origins of the universe. Exascale is defined as a quintillion computations per second. For perspective, if all 7.7 billion people on earth each completed one calculation per second, it would take over 4 years. An exascale computer can complete a quintillion computations in 1 second. So what, you may ask? The “so what” is that when science discovers and innovates in less time, it realizes good outcomes sooner. More people survive cancer. Populations deplete fewer natural resources from the earth. More people have healthy food on their tables. And so on. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalExascaleDay Celebrate the geeks, gurus, and geniuses who keep asking the big questions and are changing the world! To get you started, here are a few ideas: Hug a scientist. Encourage your teams to recognize the great work of a colleague, researcher or anyone who is using advanced computing to change the world. Tell the world via your organization’s website, blog, and media channels how your org views the impacts of Exascale computing on the future. Take a scientist or science teacher for lunch. Celebrate with your teams – ice cream social, picnic lunch, or special recognition ceremony. Keep science alive in your schools by sponsoring a science fair. Use #NationalExascaleDay to share on social media. Keep reading to learn even more! We’ve included a bit more information below for your curious-er types. Fun Factoids Exascale computing means a computing system that can perform at least one exaflops ― or one quintillion (a billion billion) calculations per second. It would take 40,000 years for one quintillion gallons of water to spill over Niagara Falls. The Milky Way galaxy is 1 quintillion kilometers wide. The human brain contains 100 billion neurons – to reach one quintillion would require 10,000 people! Exascale computers will be roughly a million times more powerful than the average laptop we use every day. A Historical View into the Next Inflection Point The advent of the Internet allowed business and industry to collect data like never before. Fast forward, data growth continues to drive organizations of all sizes to data-intensive computing and digital transformation. In response, AI, analytics, IoT, simulations, and modeling workloads are all converging into one business-critical workflow – a workflow that must operate at an extreme scale and in real-time. So, data growth, converging workloads, and the imperative for digital transformation mean organizations are asking completely new questions. And they need new capabilities to answer those questions. Exascale computing completely rethinks how technology and people come together to answer today’s biggest questions ― and even bigger ones tomorrow. What Makes Now an Exascale Era™? Exascale is more than a speed milestone or a system size. Exascale is new workloads brought on by new questions intersecting with new compute capabilities to create a major technological shift. NATIONAL EXASCALE DAY HISTORY Cray_wordmark_w_endorsement_RGB CRAY, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, founded National Exascale Day in 2019 to celebrate the people who keep asking, “what if, why not, and what’s next?” — with the advanced technology to attain the answers. The day also celebrates a new era of supercomputing that will enable breakthroughs in disciplines benefitting all of humankind. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Exascale Day to be observed on October 18th, annually. NATIONAL NO BEARD DAY NATIONAL NO BEARD DAY October 18, 2025 NATIONAL NO BEARD DAY Annually, National No Beard Day on October 18th celebrates the cleanshaven among us. The smoother the face, the bigger the celebration! Whether you have had your beard for years or it is relatively new for you, this is the day to shave it off and go smooth. Perhaps your partner doesn’t like your beard, or you just haven’t shaved it off for years. No Beard Day is the day to see what you look like without it. Achieving a close, kissable shave is a lost art that faded with a generation that had the first color televisions installed. Consider investing in the tools your grandfather or possibly your great-grandfather used – either a safety razor or a straight razor will give you the closest shave along with a natural bristled shaving brush and shaving soap. More care and time may be required, but the results are well worth the effort. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNoBeardDay Shave and post before and after photos on social media using #NationalNoBeardDay. You can also explore beard styles in preparation for growing your beard out again. Check out these 7 Popular Beard Styles Throughout History. NATIONAL NO BEARD DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this fashionable holiday. However, next month is No Shave November and since we are halfway through October, indications suggest we start there. NATIONAL WHOLE HOG BARBECUE DAY NATIONAL WHOLE HOG BARBECUE DAY October 18, 2025 NATIONAL WHOLE HOG BARBECUE DAY \| Third Saturday in October The third Saturday in October is National Whole Hog Barbecue Day and we invite you to indulge in one of the South’s most revered traditions. #WholeHogBarbecueDay Wood smoke and smoldering charcoal are a sign of the season. Traditionally cooked over wood and charcoal, whole-hog barbecue uses the whole pig, everything from the nose to the tail. Every year, pitmasters and barbecue lovers from all over the Southeast celebrate National Whole Hog Barbecue Day coinciding with North Carolina’s historic State Fair in October. The tradition of whole-hog barbecue started in Eastern North Carolina and dates back over 350 years to the first settlers in the region. Although barbecue lovers may disagree on the best type of barbecue sauce for their pork, everyone agrees that vinegar-based chopped whole-hog barbecue is where it all began. Smoking a whole hog takes anywhere between 10-12 hours, and requires attention to keep it smoky and cooking at a consistently low temperature. As long as you have a pit, hard-wood charcoal with oak or hickory, plenty of time and something brown to drink, you can create this delicious Southern delight. Whether you have a homemade brick pit or a custom-made steel fire box, the trick is to keep the cooking temperature steady and low. However you decide to smoke your hog, extra help is always appreciated to do the heavy lifting, including flipping the pig a few hours into the cooking process. Seasoned Hog Tips Seasoning your whole hog depends on your preferences. But traditionalists will lightly salt the pig before cooking, and after flipping use their own special blend of vinegar-based sauce with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Many pitmasters use plenty of sauce throughout the cooking process to keep the hog moist and juicy as the hog renders down in the last few hours of cooking. The more the better! What is a pitmaster? Technically, a pitmaster is someone who oversees cooking done in a barbecue pit. But, a pitmaster is more than that. A pitmaster is considered an expert in the field of barbecue. They control the temperature, along with the flavor output of the meat. Most importantly, they make sure the barbecue is kept tender during the cooking process. At the end, during the chopping, they taste and add dry seasoning and sauce to make the perfect-tasting barbecue. Famous Pitmasters Kiki Longo Max Lavoie Aaron Franklin Greg Hatem Myron Mixon Rob Rainford Ted Reader Steven Raichlen SMOKIN’ FUN Gather your recipes and get cooking! Host a pig pickin’ with whole-hog barbecue or attend a festival where you can taste some of the best in the country. Give a shout-out to the best pitmasters out there. Let us know if you like your barbecue sauce sweet, spicy, or both? Attend a whole hog barbecue competition. Attend the North Carolina State Fair. Share and post your #WholeHogBarbecueDay celebrations on social media. NATIONAL WHOLE HOG BARBECUE DAY HISTORY In 2022,The Pit Authentic Barbecue in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded National Whole Hog Barbecue Day to celebrate the traditions and history associated with whole hog barbecue. Each year during the third Saturday in October, we recommend everyone find some place to host or attend a whole hog barbecue celebration. The tradition started in 1980 in Halifax County, North Carolina, when friends reunited at the Roanoke River for a pig pickin’. Then in 1983, the tradition moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where friends gathered again during the third weekend in October to go to the N.C. State Fair and celebrate the fall harvest with whole-hog barbecue. The festivities moved to downtown Raleigh in 2007 with the opening of The Pit Authentic Barbecue, which has been serving whole-hog barbecue ever since. The restaurant opened for guests in Raleigh who didn’t have time to drive into Eastern North Carolina to get their taste of whole-hog barbecue. Whole-hog barbecue is such an important part of North Carolina’s culinary heritage, in 1985, the North Carolina Pork Council organized and sanctioned the first Whole Hog Barbecue Championship. It has become the culmination of the Whole Hog Barbecue Series local competitions across the region. The chefs who qualify in the local events come together to duke it out for the title of Champion. Many people across the country consider grilling to be barbecue. However, if you ask any North Carolinian, barbecue has always been referred to as pork. Since the early settlers in the 1500s, pork has been the king of barbecue. In fact, there is historical evidence showing natives of the West Indies roasting meat over wood coals. It wasn’t until the 1600s the technique of cooking barbecue became adapted by everyone in the South. Even George Washington loved a good pig pickin’, journaling about going to a “barbicue” near Halifax, North Carolina, in the 1790s. The Great Debate There is a great debate about barbecue sauce. The eastern parts of North Carolina lean towards a clear sauce made with vinegar, salt and crushed red pepper. The western parts of North Carolina add sugar and ketchup to their sauce, creating a light red sauce. Developed in the late 1600s, vinegar sauce was born out of convenience. Colonists would use ingredients available to them to make their barbecue sauce, which was also used to preserve the meat. Unfortunately, tomatoes were thought to be poisonous so using them was not an option. It wasn’t until around the early 1800s tomatoes were finally considered to be safe to eat, which was about the time settlers came down to Western North Carolina and started adding tomatoes and brown sugar to the vinegar-based sauce. In addition, unlike their Eastern North Carolina neighbors, they would cook only the shoulder of the hog, not the entire pig. As for our barbecue brethren in South Carolina, they added mustard to their whole-hog barbecue sauce. Today, depending on where you live in North Carolina, barbecue sauce changes slightly. There could possibly be hundreds or thousands of sauces with different spices. Subtle differences in sauce occur about every 50 miles within the state. Interestingly, North Carolina also has a debate on how you should eat barbecue. Some like it chopped, while others like it pulled. But everyone enjoys pulling right off the pig in a traditional pig pickin’. • • • • • •
19 NATIONAL KENTUCKY DAY NATIONAL KENTUCKY DAY October 19, 2025 NATIONAL KENTUCKY DAY On October 19, National Kentucky Day recognizes the 15th state to be granted statehood. The Bluegrass State became the first to enter the union west of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to the Kentucky Derby, Fort Knox, and the birthplace of one the nation’s most beloved presidents, Kentucky is bordered by rivers on three of its four boundaries. Musical roots run deep in Kentucky. There’s opportunity from ancient history to modern-day to explore all variety of music the state holds dear. Of course, it’s called The Bluegrass State for a reason! When it comes to athletic pursuits, Kentuckians are skilled both on and off the court. The Kentucky Derby, one of the jewels of the Triple Crown, takes place in May every year in Louisville. Founded in 1875, the derby holds many traditions, including serving mint juleps. On the court and the field, they keep up a fierce rivalry with their Hoosier neighbors. Basketball, in particular, has held a strong tradition in the state. Daniel Boone blazed trails through Kentucky, and several state parks and sites bear his name. Along those paths are all the natural wonders of Kentucky. From the Mammoth Caves (they are mammoth because they’re the longest in the world) to the national forests, crystal clear lakes, and magnificent waterfalls. NATIONAL LGBT CENTER AWARENESS DAY NATIONAL LGBT CENTER AWARENESS DAY October 19, 2025 NATIONAL LGBT CENTER AWARENESS DAY On October 19th, the National LGBT Center Awareness Day celebrates the services provided by centers across the nation. LGBT community centers provide services to everyone from youth to seniors. They provide an environment of advocacy, empowerment, and support. Through their services, the LGBT community find cultural events, wellness programs, career services, and more. In times of crisis, community centers often provide the first line of contact. However, they serve as a network, connecting people in the LGBT community together. These organizations also serve as a point of education. From cultural aspects of the LGBT community to providing resources, these centers offer vital services to entire neighborhoods. HOW TO OBSERVE #LGBTCenterAwarenessDay Many community centers will hold events on this day. Some events include fundraisers, art shows, clinics, seminars, open houses and more. Join an event near you. As a way of showing your gratitude, offer to run a fundraiser or make a donation. Learn more about your local community center’s opportunities and become involved. Support for your local community center by giving them a shout out. Share your skills with your local center to improve your community. Give a shout out to your local LGBT Center on social media. While celebrating, be sure you use #LGBTCenterAwarenessDay to post on social media. NATIONAL LGBT CENTER AWARENESS DAY HISTORY CenterLink sponsors LGBT Center Awareness Day, which was founded in 1994 to bring attention to the positive work provided by centers. The sponsor, CenterLink, serves over 40,000 people weekly, wanted to highlight the ways people can get involved and use their local centers. NATIONAL SEAFOOD BISQUE DAY NATIONAL SEAFOOD BISQUE DAY October 19, 2025 NATIONAL SEAFOOD BISQUE DAY Every year on October 19th, National Seafood Bisque Day serves up a hot, delicious meal for seafood lovers. The day celebrates a luxurious bowl of tasty soup made from the catch of the day! Seafood bisque is a smooth, creamy, and highly-seasoned soup of French origin. Recipes call for a strained broth of crustaceans. Use seafood such as lobster, crab, shrimp, or crayfish. The name “Bisque” is likely derived from Biscay, as in the Bay of Biscay. However, the crustaceans are certainly bis cuites, meaning “twice-cooked.” Recipes require cooks to first sauteed the seafood lightly in their shells, then simmered in wine or cognac and aromatic herbs before being strained. This rich and filling soup goes well with a crusty chunk of bread. Serve it as the introduction to a larger meal or the meal itself. If you enjoy wine, try Gewurztraminer with your bisque. HOW TO OBSERVE #SeafoodBisqueDay Celebrate the day by trying one of the following Seafood Bisque recipes. Or share one of your own. Be sure to make it a real celebration by sharing with friends and family. As always, use #SeafoodBisqueDay to post on social media. Elegant Seafood Bisque Simple Seafood Bisque NATIONAL SEAFOOD BISQUE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this warming food holiday. • • •	20 NATIONAL BRANDIED FRUIT DAY NATIONAL BRANDIED FRUIT DAY October 20, 2025 NATIONAL BRANDIED FRUIT DAY On October 20th each year, we celebrate the delicious food holiday known as National Brandied Fruit Day! Brandied fruit first became popular around the Victorian era. During this time, people discovered brandy added to fruit easily helped preserve it. Incidentally, the process also preserved the flavor of freshly harvests fruit crops while also creating a delicious dessert for adults. Brandied fruit is created by soaking sweet fresh fruit in brandy, sugar, and spices. After the initial preparation, the fruit will sit for nearly 30 days. Then it is ready to top desserts, pies, and cakes. Interestingly, brandied fruit is used as a starter for Friendship Cake. Similar to the concept of a starter for sourdough bread, Friendship Cake takes time to prepare. However, once you’ve completed the process, you’re sure to enjoy one of the most delicious treats ever! HOW TO OBSERVE #BrandiedFruitDay Celebrate by making brandied fruit! Our National Day Calendar Recipe Collection even has a Brandied Fruit recipe for you to try. Not only is it super easy to make, but you don’t need any canning skills to make it either. Other ways to celebrate the day include: Spoon it over ice cream Add chopped brandied fruit to cake batter before baking Drink the sweetened liquid as a sweet cordial Use as a topping for bread pudding Spoon over a softened brick of cream cheese and serve with crackers Layer in a trifle with cubed pound cake and whipped cream The best way to celebrate #BrandiedFruitDay is to enjoy some with family friends. Use #BrandiedFruitDay to share on social media and show the world how you #CelebrateEveryDay! BRANDIED FRUIT DAY HISTORY The history of brandied fruit is uncertain. Because of that, we have been unable to find the creator of this delicious food holiday. NATIONAL CHICKEN AND WAFFLES DAY NATIONAL CHICKEN AND WAFFLES DAY October 20, 2025 NATIONAL CHICKEN AND WAFFLES DAY Savory and sweet collide for a soulful celebration of flavor on October 20th as we celebrate National Chicken and Waffles Day. Imagine a world where ingredients of every spice and spirit find their way into the honeycombs of thick and crispy waffles. Well, that day has arrived. From LA to NYC, this quintessential meal of the rural south made a slow migration to the urban communities to the north and west. But, as odd as it seems, chicken and waffles have been around for more than 150 years. And while no one knows who first put chicken and waffles on the same plate together, we do know the meal was a staple of both African-American cooks and the Pennsylvania Dutch. Part breakfast part supper, everyone can enjoy Chicken and Waffles any time of the day. The meal also serves up some hearty combinations. Our only limit is our imaginations. Not only does #ChickenAndWafflesDay bring together two food groups, but it also unites others. For example, friends and families, communities and organizations, and multiple generations. HOW TO OBSERVE #ChickenAndWafflesDay Enjoy your favorite version of chicken and waffles. The limitless combinations entice people to create their own versions. You can, too! Add some gravy or go traditional. Turn yours into a sandwich or make it a mini. Herb it up or go sweeter. When you order your favorite, give a shout-out to the restaurant – like Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles. They’ve been serving this delicious staple for over 46 years! No matter how you celebrate, be sure to invite someone to join you and use #ChickenAndWafflesDay on social media. NATIONAL CHICKEN AND WAFFLES DAY HISTORY MAIN ROSCOEs LOGO HIGH+RESRoscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles in Southern California founded National Chicken and Waffles Day in 2021 to highlight this delicious cuisine pairing and to dedicate the day as one of service and volunteerism. Check out Roscoe’s foundation website to see more ways to get involved and celebrate National Chicken and Waffles Day. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Chicken and Waffles Day to be observed on October 20, 2021, and annually thereafter. NATIONAL CLEAN YOUR VIRTUAL DESKTOP DAY NATIONAL CLEAN YOUR VIRTUAL DESKTOP DAY October 20, 2025 NATIONAL CLEAN YOUR VIRTUAL DESKTOP DAY National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day encourages everyone to take time to organize their virtual desktop. The observance takes place on the third Monday in October. Remember when your computer was new and the desktop was clean and organized? The trash file was empty. The only files on the computer were the ones the manufacturer created. No viruses. No documents. And your computer was fast, too. You were ready to create, design and program. When is National Technology Day? Question Mark 4 mulitple A clean and organized space offers fewer frustrations. Everything is in its file and you know where to find it. Archive old files. Create short cuts. This will help your computer run faster and help you find them more quickly. Pin favorite apps to the start menu. Name photos and put them on a thumb drive. Clean out that email, too. Delete unused icons. You can do the same thing with your phone. Are there games you don’t play anymore? Eliminate them. Make sure your virus protection is up to date and run it. Make sure it runs on a regular schedule. HOW TO OBSERVE #CleanYourVirtualDesktopDay National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day focuses on organizing! So, neaten up your desktop by deleting unneeded items and sorting the rest into folders. Share your tips. For those who are tech-savvy, offer to help others. For example, if Grandma complains that her computer is slow, you owe it to her to help her out. Show her how to keep her computer running smoothly. Use #CleanYourVirtualDesktopDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CLEAN YOUR VIRTUAL DESKTOP DAY HISTORY The Personal Computer Museum located in Brantford, Ontario Canada created the observance to celebrate technology while becoming more adept at using it and keeping it running smoothly. NATIONAL GET SMART ABOUT CREDIT DAY NATIONAL GET SMART ABOUT CREDIT DAY October 20, 2025 NATIONAL GET SMART ABOUT CREDIT DAY National Get Smart About Credit Day on the third Thursday in October annually promotes learning about good credit. It is a national campaign where volunteer bankers help counsel young people on responsible credit habits. The importance of sound financial management is something that can and should be taught at a young age. Learning healthy credit habits can be one of the most valuable lessons a young person can learn. What Affects Credit Scores Amount of debt you carry – Paying off the amount you charge to your credit cards each month helps to improve this amount. Showing that you are reducing debt each month gradually increases your score over time. Age of credit history – The older your credit history (and the longer it is in good standing) shows a trend toward reliable financial standing. Reports to collections agencies – Any inaccurate reporting to a credit agency needs to be reported immediately. The sooner you resolve an inaccuracy, the quicker your credit report can be corrected. Obtain a letter from the collection agency once you have been able to confirm the error and submit it to all the credit reporting agencies. Late payments – Any time make a late payment, especially on a credit card or loan, this will be reflected on your credit report. Pay early, pay on time. If you use your online banking system to make payments, remember to review your bank’s turn-around time for payments. Take their delays into account and schedule accordingly to avoid any late payments. The number of hard inquiries for credit – If you are considering a loan for a car or house, each inquiry will be registered on your credit report. When your credit is in good standing, it doesn’t have a big impact. The number of accounts – Opening and closing accounts can have an impact on your credit score. Depending on the number of accounts, the impact on your score could be huge. HOW TO OBSERVE #GetSmartAboutCreditDay Make sure you are smart about credit. Access tools and resources to help you improve your credit score. Make it a routine to check your credit score and maintain it. Take steps to improve your credit score. Share your experiences and tips using #GetSmartAboutCreditDay to post on social media. NATIONAL GET SMART ABOUT CREDIT DAY HISTORY In 2003, the American Bankers Association (ABA) Education Foundation originated this National Day. NATIONAL YOUTH CONFIDENCE DAY NATIONAL YOUTH CONFIDENCE DAY October 20, 2025 NATIONAL YOUTH CONFIDENCE DAY Building a framework of positive role models is vital to developing responsible, confident young adults. Incidentally, National Youth Confidence Day, on October 20, encourages us to connect and inspire today’s youth for tomorrow’s success. National Youth Confidence Day celebrates the energy, spirit and potential of young people. The day is an acknowledgment of all they will accomplish, respectively. Guidance, leadership and mentors will help light the path, indeed. In addition, today’s youth will navigate the obstacles that will inevitably lay before them. Take the opportunity to welcome a young person into your life and accept their mistakes. Interestingly, their mistakes will be similar to ones you’ve made yourself. Offer encouragement that these mistakes are merely lessons. Therefore, let them know they will only need to learn from them and gain experience to attain their goals. Share your wisdom and listen to their fears. Celebrate their successes and help them to learn from their defeats, respectively. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalYouthConfidenceDay There are several ways to participate in National Youth Confidence Day: SHARE STORIES FROM YOUTH WHO INSPIRE YOU Hearing about youth inspires us to feel more confident. Share a story about a young person who inspires you. From overcoming an obstacle or achieving academic success, to helping someone in the community, it’s all about being uniquely them. Especially, highlight their inspiration by using #NationalYouthConfidenceDay and tag @Confidentgirlmentoring to share on social media. SHOW OFF YOUR MOST CONFIDENT YOUTH Post photos and videos of your youth, friends and anyone who exudes confidence, inner beauty or self-worth. Use #NationalYouthConfidenceDay and tag @Confidentgirlmentoring to share on social media. BE CONFIDENTLY CREATIVE Show a young person in your life you care. Provide them with the tools to reach their potential. Most importantly, offer them the knowledge, skills and know-how to build their confidence. Above all, by planting a seed and watching it grow, you celebrate their achievement. Use #NationalYouthConfidenceDay and tag @Confidentgirlmentoring to share on social media. NATIONAL YOUTH CONFIDENCE DAY HISTORY Tiffany R. Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Confident Girl Mentoring Program, Inc. founded National Youth Confidence Day in 2018. Furthermore, it’s her goal to encourage a strong foundation of positive relationships to mentor today’s youth. As a result, National Youth Confidence Day is a Celebration of Confidence for young people everywhere. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Youth Confidence Day to be observed annually on October 20. About Confident Girl Mentoring Program, Inc. Confident Girl Mentoring Program, Inc. (CGMP, Inc.) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that utilizes evidence-based interventions to empower. Furthermore, they also aim to build confidence in youth, teens and young adults ages 7-19 in New York State. CGMP, Inc. is an active member of MENTOR, which is a national mentoring partnership. As a matter of fact, they are the unifying champion for expanding quality youth mentoring relationships in the United States. The program works to strengthen youth’s level of confidence. Moreover, it provides them with a vision to see beyond barriers as they open their minds to new ways of thinking. Because of this, the program inspires them to see the world as a much broader place. Especially, a place that offers more diversity than their community. Unsurprisingly, when youth have spent a whole day with Confident Girl Mentoring Program, Inc. they leave saying they are strong and empowered. They also feel beautiful and emit confidence. • • • • •	21 BACK TO THE FUTURE DAY BACK TO THE FUTURE DAY October 21, 2025 BACK TO THE FUTURE DAY \| October 21 On October 21 we are traveling back in time to catch a ride on the DeLorean to celebrate Back to the Future Day. #BackToTheFutureDay In 1989, millions of fans of the movie trilogy Back to the Future seen the first signs of time travel through the windshield of the infamous DeLorean in Back to the Future 2. For nearly 26 years, fans of the movie franchise would wait for the exact date of October 21, 2015 to celebrate the only time Doc (Christopher Lloyd), Marty (Michael J. Fox), and Jennifer (Elisabeth Shue) would travel into the future. Today, we share the enthusiasm of pop culture by celebrating National Back to the Future Day, even though it’s technically not the future anymore. What is significant about Back to the Future 2? The second movie in the Back to the Future trilogy was released in November 1989, grossing over $331 million. The storyline of the second film shows Doc, Marty, and Jennifer traveling into 2015 to hopefully change a few details of what there future life of Marty will be. However, Marty and Doc quickly learn life was not the way they remembered from 1989. They decide to go back to 1955 to find out what happened in history to change the way 2015 was for Marty and his family. October 15 (1989) vs. October 15 (2015) When Back to the Future 2 hit the big screen in 1989, producers had to “predict” what life would be like in 2015 and portray that in the movie. In 2015, fans and critics would compare details between October 2015 in the movie and October 15, present time. Flying cars Hoverboards Big-Screen TV Virtual reality googles Jaws 19 Cubs would win the World Series Predictions were fairly close in comparison of Back to the Future 2 and the real year 2015. Hoverboards were invented in 2014, but not for sale until the following year. Flying cars existed in their infancy, being driven only by those who were inventing them. Flat screen televisions and virtual reality goggles were found everywhere. Sadly, Jaws did not reach film 19, but instead only made it to four movies–Jaws: The Revenge. Interestingly, October 2015 movie time wasn’t so far off October 2015 real time. TRAVEL BACK TO THE FUTURE Watch the entire Back to the Future trilogy. Visit the Petersen Automotive Museum and see the DeLorean up close. Read about the history of making the Back to the Future series. Explore the official Back to the Future website. Check out Back to the Future events near you. Share you celebrations, events, and photos using #BackToTheFutureDay on social media. Great Scott! Fans of the Back to the Future trilogy receive credit for Back to the Future Day. In fact, this day probably wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for those who share their love for this iconic movie. Like Doc says in the movie “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.“ NATIONAL APPLE DAY NATIONAL APPLE DAY October 21, 2025 NATIONAL APPLE DAY National Apple Day falls on October 21 on the National Day Calendar as a day to celebrate all things apple! This food holiday is dedicated to promoting the rich cultural and historical significance of apples, as well as the importance of orchards and apple-related products in agriculture and heritage. #NATIONALAPPLEDAY In 1990, the charity Common Ground in the UK as a way to raise awareness about the diversity of apple varieties, encourage the preservation of traditional orchards, and promote the consumption of locally grown apples. Common Ground's founders, Sue Clifford and Angela King, wanted to reconnect people with the land and its fruits, emphasizing the importance of local and sustainable food production. There are a suggested amount of over 7,000 recognized apple varieties globally. However, the number of apple varieties in the world is vast and can be quite challenging to quantify precisely. There are thousands of apple cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of flavor, appearance, texture. Because we use apples are used for a variety reasons, such as fresh consumption, baking, or cider production, new varieties are continuously being developed. Common Apple Varieties Red Delicious apples are known for their bright red skin and sweet, mildly tart flavor. They are often enjoyed fresh but can also be used in salads and for baking. Gala apples are small to medium-sized and have a sweet, crisp, and mildly tart flavor. They are excellent for snacking and are commonly used in salads. Fuji apples are known for their firm texture and sweet, slightly spicy flavor. They are great for eating fresh and hold up well in storage. Granny Smith apples are known for their bright green skin and tart, crisp flesh. They are often used in baking and for making apple pies. Honeycrisp apples are prized for their sweet and exceptionally crisp texture. They are excellent for snacking and have become increasingly popular in recent years. Braeburn apples have a sweet and slightly tart flavor with a crisp texture. They are versatile and can be used for both fresh eating and cooking. Pink Lady apples are known for their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture. They are often enjoyed fresh and are also used in salads. Not all apple varieties are widely known or commercially available. Many apple varieties are regional specialties, and their cultivation may be limited to specific areas or orchards. CRISPY APPLE CELEBRATIONS National Apple Day is celebrated in various ways across the world. Some of the common activities and traditions associated with the day include: Apple Tastings: Many events feature tasting sessions where people can sample a wide variety of apple cultivars. This helps to highlight the diversity of apple flavors and textures available. Orchard Tours: Orchards across the country often open their doors to the public on National Apple Day, allowing visitors to explore the orchards, learn about apple cultivation, and appreciate the beauty of these traditional landscapes. Apple-Related Crafts and Activities: Workshops and craft fairs may be organized, where participants can engage in activities like apple pressing to make fresh juice, cooking demonstrations, and creating apple-themed arts and crafts. Local Produce Markets: Farmers' markets and local food producers often participate, offering a range of apple products such as cider, apple pies, jams, and chutneys. Community Gatherings: National Apple Day provides an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate the harvest season. It's a time for sharing stories, recipes, and knowledge about apples and orchards. Orchard Conservation and Planting: Some organizations and communities use the occasion to raise awareness about the importance of conserving traditional orchards and even planting new ones to safeguard the future of apple cultivation. HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL APPLE DAY National Apple Day was created Sue Clifford and Angela King as part of the charity Common Ground in the United Kingdom. Common Ground is a nonprofit organization founded by Sue Clifford and Angela King in 1983. The organization is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the cultural and environmental importance of the local landscape and its associated traditions. The organization also aims to reconnect people with the land and its fruits, emphasizing the significance of locally grown produce and traditional orchards. National Apple Day was established with the goal of celebrating apples, orchards, and apple-related products while also raising awareness about the diversity of apple varieties and the importance of preserving traditional orchards. Since its inception, National Apple Day has grown in popularity and has become an annual event celebrated on October 21st each year in the UK. It provides an opportunity for communities, organizations, and individuals to come together to appreciate apples and orchards, share knowledge, and support local and sustainable food production. The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving orchards and traditional apple varieties, supporting local agriculture, and enjoying the delicious and versatile fruit that is the apple. NATIONAL PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DAY NATIONAL PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DAY October 21, 2025 NATIONAL PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DAY The third Tuesday in October recognizes National Pharmacy Technician Day. The day is an opportunity to thank technicians for their invaluable support and contributions throughout the year. However, the day also explores the technician’s role and how vital it is to maintain a safe and efficient health system. Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of environments. Depending on education and training, they manage dispensary supply at hospitals and clinics, retail pharmacies, prisons, and veterinary clinics. Their roles may include the supervision of other pharmacy staff. Under a pharmacist’s guidance, a technician may supply medications to patients, prepare prescriptions. They also provide patient education and communicate with physicians. HOW TO OBSERVE #PharmacyTechnicianDay Give a pharmacy tech you know a shout-out. Join or promote events supported by pharmacy organizations. Use #PharmacyTechnicianDay to post on social media. And be sure to shout-out to friends and family who work in the pharmacy field. NATIONAL PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DAY HISTORY In 2015, Lindsey Ahrens submitted National Pharmacy Technician Day and the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) and the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) endorse the day. The observance coincides with National Hospital and Health-System Pharmacy Week, also endorsed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Additionally, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has named October American Pharmacists Month. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared National Pharmacy Technician Day to be celebrated annually on the third Tuesday in October. NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY October 21, 2025 NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY Each year on October 21st, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day ushers in the flavors of fall. Cheesecake is one of America’s favorite desserts and by adding pumpkin, we celebrate the essential flavoring of the season. This sweet dessert mixes fresh soft cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs, and sugar to create a base. The crust is made from crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, pastry, or sponge cake. Pumpkin may be added to cheesecake recipes in various ways. For example, it may be swirled throughout, mixed thoroughly with all ingredients, or layered. Bakers prepare cheesecakes both baked or unbaked. Some bakers flavor cheesecakes and top them with fruit, fruit sauce, chocolate, or whipped cream. When is National Cheesecake Day? An ancient form of cheesecake may have been a popular dish in ancient Greece. The earliest attested mention of cheesecake is by the Greek physician, Aegimus. He wrote a book on the art of making cheesecakes. James Kraft developed a form of pasteurized cream cheese in 1912. In 1928, Kraft acquired the Philadelphia trademark and marketed pasteurized Philadelphia Cream Cheese. North America has several different styles of cheesecakes: New York-style cheesecake Pennsylvania Dutch-style cheesecake Philadelphia-style Farmer cheese cheesecake Country-style cheesecake Lactose-free cheesecake Cheesecake Kludys Chicago Style Cheesecake Savory cheesecake HOW TO OBSERVE #PumpkinCheesecakeDay Try one of the following recipes to celebrate: Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites Pumpkin Cheesecake Use #PumpkinCheesecakeDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this sweet dessert. NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY October 21, 2025 NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY Each year on October 21st, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing. A reptile is any amniote that is neither a mammal nor a bird, is cold-blooded, has scales or scutes, and can lay eggs on land. Scutes are the thick bony or horny plates which form the dermal layer of such reptiles like turtles and crocodiles. There are more than 10,000 species of reptiles. The day promotes the wide varieties, their habitats, and how we benefit from reptiles, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #ReptileAwarenessDay Take some time to visit the zoo to see some reptiles or do some research on them. Invite someone to join you, too. Celebrations are always best when everyone is learning. Before you go write down how many different species by name you might see, and check them off your list while visiting. Read about the many different kinds around the world. Are there any that live near you? Learn more about reptiles by visiting Reptile Magazine online. Also, you can use the hashtag #ReptileAwarenessDay to post on social media all about your visit to the zoo. NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this cold-blooded animal holiday. However, Reptile Magazine and Channel promote the day each year. NATIONAL WITCH HAZEL DAY – October 21 NATIONAL WITCH HAZEL DAY – October 21 October 21, 2025 NATIONAL WITCH HAZEL DAY – October 21 On October 21, discover one of America’s first skin treatments and favorite skincare ingredients when you celebrate National Witch Hazel Day. Since the late 1800s, distilled Witch Hazel Extracts have been formulated into many of the world’s most recognized cosmetic and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products. This effective, versatile plant extract naturally provides skincare, haircare, eye care, and topical OTC drug products with toning, oil control, and astringency claims – powering hundreds of essential personal care and skincare products including: astringents facial toners shampoos conditioners hemorrhoidal treatments personal cleansing post-partum care Today, Witch Hazel-based products help care for millions of Americans of every age each year. According to the United States Pharmacopoeia or USP, the organization that sets standards for strength and purity for active natural ingredients, genuine distilled Witch Hazel is a clear, colorless distillate often identified by its characteristic Witch Hazel scent. It is prepared by distilling the recently cut and partially dried dormant twigs of the Witch Hazel plant, Hamamelis Virginiana Linne’, and combining it with 14% Ethyl, Natural Grain Alcohol which functions as a natural preservative. As an astringent active ingredient, Witch Hazel not only cleanses, but also helps surface tissues to contract, helping to protect tissue and reduce irritation, allowing the skin to heal. As a skin toner and cleanser, genuine Witch Hazel removes impurities without stripping skin of its moisture, refines pores and balances complexion, reduces oil, soothes redness, and more. The Many Benefits of Witch Hazel include: Cleanses skin of dirt, excess oil, and residue without stripping skin of its natural moisture Tightens pores for smoother skin Prepares skin for skin treatment and makeup application Helps control excess oil production Reduces irritation Helps remove the last traces of makeup Soothes razor burn Treats minor cuts and scrapes Reduces irritation from bug bites National Witch Hazel Day encourages you to explore all the benefits of Witch Hazel. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWitchHazelDay On October 21, discover your favorite uses for Witch Hazel. There is so much to learn and love about this naturally powerful extract! With its multitude of benefits, there are so many ways to incorporate Witch Hazel into your daily life. National Witch Hazel Day serves as an annual reminder of this versatile and useful plant extract. Skincare, personal care, or first aid — how do you use Witch Hazel? Share your favorite uses for Witch Hazel by using #NationalWitchHazelDay on social media. NATIONAL WITCH HAZEL DAY HISTORY National Witch Hazel Day Logo_V2Dickinson Brands founded National Witch Hazel Day in 2021 to celebrate the history and fantastic benefits of Witch Hazel. For over 150 years, 100% natural Distilled Witch Hazel has been the primary ingredient in all Dickinson Brands products, delivering more effective, all-natural skin treatment and skincare solutions. Dickinson Brands Inc. manages three brands of Witch Hazel products in the market: Humphreys Witch Hazel brand in Premium Natural Skincare sets, T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel in First Aid, and Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel in Skincare. Dickinson Witch Hazel logos It all started in 1866, when Rev. Thomas Newton Dickinson, a clergyman, saw an opportunity to bring the benefits of Witch Hazel to the masses. Born and raised in New England, Dickinson understood the powerful healing properties of the native plant, which was used by Native Americans as early as the 17th Century. He set up his first distillery plant in central Connecticut, close to an abundance of the finest grade Witch Hazel shrubs to produce and bottle his namesake brand Dickinson’s Witch Hazel. Rev. Dickinson also set the pure, all-natural standard for Witch Hazel production, a time-honored craft ever since. Every winter, Dickinson Brands begins to hand-harvest organic-certified New England Witch Hazel at its peak bloom. They have perfected the distillation process in line with USP (pharmaceutical) standards, bringing you a clinical-grade natural active with a signature botanical scent, and a variety of formulas for gentle yet effective skin-loving products. Dickinson’s takes pride in the purity of its distilled Witch Hazel and in bringing you highly efficacious Witch Hazel products. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Witch Hazel Day to be observed on October 21, 2021, and every year thereafter. PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY October 21, 2025 PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY On the third Tuesday of October every year, students give up their voice for Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity. Representing the 3,000 voices taken by abortion every day, these students chose to take a vow of silence. The movement suggests wearing a red armband representing your participation in the day. Others may wear red duct tape across their mouths. No matter how participants demonstrate their participation the day, a vow of silence represents those who’ve been silenced forever through abortion. HOW TO OBSERVE #ProLifeDayOfSilentSolidarity Those who participate are encouraged to plan ahead for their day of silence by preparing cards explaining their silence. Use #ProLifeDayOfSilentSolidarity to post on social media. PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY HISTORY Bryan Kemper founded Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity in 2004. Students For Life promotes the day. • • • • • • •	22 NATIONAL COLOR DAY NATIONAL COLOR DAY October 22, 2025 NATIONAL COLOR DAY National Color Day focuses on the impact color has on each of us. The observance takes place each year on October 22nd. Color is powerful. It can affect a mood, draw attention, even cause alarm. It is hard to imagine a world without color. Without color, we would nearly be blind. Doctors check for health through the color of a patient’s skin. On a late, crisp autumn morning, sparkling frost and leaves changing from green to vermillion signal a change of seasons. A flush of color in the cheeks of a friend sends a cue of her embarrassment. The street light turns from green to yellow to red. In the Grand Canyon, layers of sediment range in color from black to pale ash. All these signs alert us to change through color. Imagine a world without chrysocolla. This mineral formed from hydrated copper phyllosilicate develops colors from a brilliant cyan to jade green. From darkening skies before a storm to the undulating fragile glow of the aurora borealis, color in nature moves us to pause and enjoy or to warn us of impending danger. Long before colors had names, they served a purpose. Colors accent our homes and feed our creativity, allowing us to express ourselves. Open a box of crayons or watercolors, and artists of any age lose themselves in a world of their own creation for hours. Different colors are perceived to mean different things. The following is one rendition of the perceived meaning of the various colors in the United States. Red: Excitement – Love – Strength Yellow: Competence – Happiness Green: Good Taste – Envy – Relaxation Blue: Corporate – High Quality – Serenity Pink: Sophistication – Sincerity Violet/Purple: Authority – Power Brown: Ruggedness Black: Grief – Fear White: Happiness – Purity. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalColorDay Explore the use of color in your life. Take in the vast and ever-changing array of shades available to you. What’s your favorite color? Express yourself through color and use #NationalColorDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MAKE A DOG’S DAY NATIONAL MAKE A DOG’S DAY October 22, 2025 NATIONAL MAKE A DOG’S DAY \| October 22 National Make A Dog’s Day on October 22 is a Subaru holiday that invites dog-lovers everywhere to go the extra mile for their pup. #MakeADogsDay Today is a reminder to animal lovers everywhere to adopt a pet instead of buying a new one. In fact, we encourage everyone to visit a shelter to see why adopting a four-legged friend will make the world a better place. “Make A Dog’s Day began as a way for Subaru to say thank you to the pets who support us, love us and make our world a better place.” Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing of Subaru of America, Inc. Why should I adopt a pet? Approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters in the United States annually, many being relinquished by their owners. Worse still, approximately 15% of the animals that enter shelters are euthanized. While numbers continue to decline, the need for adoption continues to be overwhelming. One sure way to make a dog’s day is giving them a new, loving home through adoption. When you adopt a pet, you are: Saving a life. Stopping animal cruelty in breeding facilities. Saving money for spaying, neutering, vaccination and sometimes microchipping. Choosing from a large selection of dog breed who are normally house-trained. Adopting a dog who has received excellent care in the shelter, which means they are healthy. If A Dog Could Talk Adoption is just one way to make a dog’s day. If your favorite canine companion could talk, they might tell us going for an extra-long walk would make their day. When was the last time you visited the dog park? Of course, a new chew toy might top their list. Sometimes, they just want to play. Throw the ball already! Another thing that tops the list of fur babies everywhere – don’t stop scratching that itch. How do I care for my newly adopted dog? When you adopt a dog from a shelter, the amazing staff guide you in caring for your new furry companion. Keeping your dog healthy is an act of unspoken love between you and your pup. Normally, a shelter will provide services before you leave. However, if they haven’t, you should: Schedule regular check-ups for your dog with your veterinarian. Choose a schedule that fits you and your new animal friend. Vaccinate your dog according to what they need. Your veterinarian will make the correct recommendations to help you decide important vaccinations. Spay or neuter your pet. Beyond the health benefits, unplanned puppies cause the population in shelters to increase. A LOYAL COMPANION Visit a shelter, find your loyal canine companion, and make a dog’s day through adoption! Volunteer at a shelter by taking a dog for a walk or bringing them a new chew toy. Donate new blankets, treats, or other supplies to a shelter. You can check your local shelter needs by visiting their website or simply making a call. Stop by a participating Subaru retailer during the month of October and donate new pet supplies, which the automaker will be collecting throughout the month of October. Check your local Subaru retailers to join the effort. If you’re already the owner of a beloved dog, take the extra time to make your dog’s day. Repay that unconditional love with creative tokens of dog-gone appreciation. Shelters: make sure to share your adoption events by posting your stories and photos using the hashtag #MakeADogsDay on social media. Subaru invites dog owners to do something special for the furry friends in their lives and share on social media using #MakeADogsDay. For those who are yet to be pet parents, Subaru invites Americans to consider adopting a shelter pet or “Underdog.” NATIONAL MAKE A DOG’S DAY HISTORY Subaru Make a Dog's Day logo In 2019, Subaru founded National Make A Dog’s Day to raise awareness for pet adoption. With the help of National Day Calendar, they set out to show the world just how good it feels to make a dog’s day. 2022 is the fourth annual National Make A Dog’s Day. Since its launch, #MakeADogsDay has reached 68 million people and helped find homes for nearly 60,000 dogs. “Year after year, we’ve been proud to help raise awareness for pet adoption by showing the world how they can make a dog’s day and feel great doing it.” Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing of Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru has a long history of supporting pets in need. In fact, since 2008 through the Subaru Loves Pets™ initiative, Subaru has donated more than $42 million to national and local organizations to support the rescue, transport, and adoption of nearly 350,000 pets. As part of Subaru Loves Pets month in October and the automaker’s lifetime commitment to loving pets, they have created another way to make a difference. With a love for pets and caring for animals everywhere being a vital pillar of the Subaru Love Promise, the automaker has continually givien back to the canine friends that deserve it most. According to Alan Bethke, Subaru advocates for adopting from pet organizations year-round. However, October is particularly special for Subaru. They devote the entire month to uniting pets across the country with the loving homes they deserve. Furthermore, Bethke says “Our Subaru community is incredibly passionate about animal welfare, and together with our retailers, we’re proud to help make the world a better place for pets everywhere.” NATIONAL NUT DAY NATIONAL NUT DAY October 22, 2025 NATIONAL NUT DAY National Nut Day is observed annually on October 22nd. This day is NOT about the neighbor that lives down the street or the co-worker who sings with their headphones on. It is a food holiday celebrating a healthy and nutritious snack. Nuts are a highly prized food and energy source and are a primary source of nutrients for both humans and wildlife. Many of them are used in cooking, eaten raw, sprouted, or roasted as a snack food, and pressed for oil that is used in cookery and cosmetics. The fats found in nuts, for the most part, are unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated fats. Many nuts are excellent sources of vitamins E and B2. They are also rich in protein, folate fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium. Nuts are essential to animals, especially those in temperate climates, as they store acorns and other nuts during the autumn months to keep from starving during late fall, all winter, and early spring. Several studies have shown that those who consume nuts regularly are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD). It was in 1993 that nuts were first linked to protection against CHD. Since that time, many clinical trials have found that the consumption of various nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, can lower serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. One study has shown that people who ate nuts lived two to three years longer than those who did not. Those who were consuming nuts may have been eating less junk food leading to a longer lifespan. Nuts in their raw form retain the most nutritional benefit, too. However you celebrate the day, though, be sure to enjoy snacking on your favorite nut! • • •	23 IPOD DAY IPOD DAY October 23, 2025 IPOD DAY National iPod Day on October 23rd recognizes the portable music device. Apple introduced the iPod on October 23, 2001. The iPod changed the way we listened to and purchased music. The first iPod was sold on November 10, 2001, for $399. iPod Day pays recognition to this groundbreaking technology and the many people it impacted. The iPod introduced us to playlists and a way of managing our music collections like never before. It took portability to a whole new level. Soon, the iPod would introduce other media to us, too. It changed the way we listened to books, stories, and news. The device also changed the way we told stories, too. Those who had something to broadcast could record them. They would upload the broadcast for a listener. Listeners would tune-in by downloading the podcast. Thousands of apps offer ways to listen to podcasts today. Today, let’s also take a moment to remember Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. HOW TO OBSERVE #IPOD Day Play music on your iPod or any mobile device in honor of the revolutionary technology that changed the way we listen to music. Share your first iPod and your favorite playlist. How many playlists do you have? Do you have a favorite podcast or produce one? #iPodDay to post on social media. IPOD DAY HISTORY While National Day Calendar continues to research the founder of the observance, the day commemorates the introduction of the iPod to the public. NATIONAL BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY NATIONAL BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY October 23, 2025 NATIONAL BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY National Boston Cream Pie Day serves up a delicious dessert on October 23rd each year. Pie lovers, move along. Cake lovers, pull up a chair. Let’s celebrate the cake with an identity crisis! Boston Cream Pie is a chocolate frosted, custard-filled cake that is loved by millions. In 1856, at Boston’s Parker House Hotel, French chef Monsieur Augustine Francois Anezin created this pudding and cake combination. The decadent cake comprises two layers of sponge cake filled with vanilla-flavored custard or creme patisserie. The cake is then topped with a chocolate glaze, such as a ganache or sometimes powdered sugar and a cherry. In 1996, Massachusetts declared the Boston Cream Pie as their official dessert. HOW TO OBSERVE #BostonCreamPieDay Celebrate dessert with a slice of homemade Boston Creme Pie made from one of the following recipes. Be sure to invite someone to share it with you and make it a real celebration. Don’t want to bake? Visit your favorite bakery and give them a shout-out while you’re there. Take a selfie and share it on social media. Boston Cream Pie Outrageous Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Boston Cream Pie Minis Boston Cream Poke Cake Use #BostonCreamPieDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this dessert holiday. NATIONAL HORROR MOVIE DAY NATIONAL HORROR MOVIE DAY October 23, 2025 NATIONAL HORROR MOVIE DAY National Horror Movie Day happens on October 23 on the National Day Calendar. If you love a good fright, today is the perfect day to promote the beauty and cathartic thrills of being scared by great horror movies. #NATIONALHORRORMOVIEDAY Halloween is in the air bringing together fans of witches, ghouls, zombies, monsters, spiders, and pumpkins. Stores are filled with everything Halloween fans love. In fact, Halloween is a time when an abundance of horror movies are available for viewing in theatres and on streaming apps. Horror movies have been around since about 1886 when French filmmaker Georges Melies created a short film called "Le Manoir du Diable" or The Haunted Castle. The film was a mere three minutes long and included witches, demons, and special effects that created supernatural occurrences. Since then, horror movies have evolved into different genres that consist of common elements. 3 Main Horror Movie Genres Fear and suspense horror movies aim to make the audience feel fear or anxiety. They often use suspenseful build-ups, jump scares, and eerie atmospheres to achieve this. Supernatural or paranormal horror films involve supernatural or paranormal phenomena such as ghosts, demons, monsters, vampires, zombies, or otherworldly forces. These elements often serve as the source of fear. Psychological horror movies delve into the psychological aspects of fear by exploring themes like insanity, obsession, or the breakdown of the human psyche. Movies like Psycho and The Shining are examples of psychological horror. Horror films have been a significant part of movie culture with classic and influential works that continue to captivate audiences. The goal of any good horror movie is to elicit strong emotional responses from the audience, including fear and anxiety to shock and disgust. While some people watch horror movies for the adrenaline rush and excitement, others enjoy them for the psychological aspect horror movies offer. What makes a good horror movie? Every horror movie capitalizes on the fear of being isolated or trapped in a terrifying situation with no escape. Locations are always isolated or remote, like haunted houses or remote cabins. The survival of a character or characters depends on their resourcefulness and how resilient they are while finding and escape. A good horror movie knows music plays a critical role in creating unnerving tension. In fact, the right kind of music and sound can heighten a scene and scare anyone who is watching. One of the most defying moments in horror movie history was the music and sound effects playing during the film Psycho. Without the effects of spine-chilling sound and music, Psycho would have been just another film. All horror movies carry a dark theme that explores death, taboo, madness, or the afterlife. Oftentimes, horror movies also include social fear and anxiety with characters to heighten the fear factor. However, dark themes are never complete without the effect of makeup and visual effects to create terrifying creatures and gruesome scenes for the characters. A combination every horror movie requires. 5 Popular Horror Movies of All Time The Exorcist (1973) is a classic horror movie that follows the possession of a young girl and the attempts to perform an exorcism on her to remove a demon from her body. Halloween (1978) introduced the iconic slasher villain Michael Myers, who follows a babysitter on Halloween night. This iconic horror movie would eventually transition into 12 additional films. The Shining (1980) is a movie based on the Stephen Kings novel The Shining. The movie tells of a writer who goes mad while taking care of a remote hotel during the winter. The Conjuring (2013) is a movie based on a true story by the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Hereditary (2018) is a psychological horror flick that enters the theme of family trauma and the supernatural. Hereditary has received critical acclaim for its unsettling atmosphere and earie portrayal of characters. NATIONAL MOLE DAY NATIONAL MOLE DAY October 23, 2025 NATIONAL MOLE DAY We’ll eliminate any visions of a burrowing creature celebration immediately; National Mole Day recognizes a special number in chemistry. Chemists and chemistry students mark the occasion each year on October 23rd. More specifically, the celebrations take place between 6:02 AM and 6:02 PM. In the U.S., the time and date are written 6:02 10/23. The time and date are derived from Avogadro’s number. Avagadro’s number is approximately 6.02×10^23. Hence, defining the number of particles (atoms or molecules) in one mole of a substance, one of the seven base SI units. A mole is a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express amounts of a chemical substance. Avogadro’s number is a historical term closely related to the Avogadro constant. The Avogadro constant is named after the early 19th-century Italian scientist Amedeo Avogadro. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMoleDay There are several ways to celebrate this scientific day. Do you know how to use the mole in an equation? Learn more about molecular science and Avogadro’s number. Explore the international system of measurement using moles. Test your knowledge of chemistry. Celebrate with other chemists and chemistry students. Conduct a mole experiment. While conducting it, see how many puns you can tell. In your classroom, do a video with your students demonstrating what a mole is. Create a rap about the mole. Be sure to include a little history of Amedeo Avogadro. While reading up on Italian scientist Amedeo Avogadro, explore other chemists of his era. Wear a t-shirt with 6.02×10^23 on it. Share your knowledge using #NationalMoleDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MOLE DAY HISTORY An article in The Science Teacher in the early 1980s sparked National Mole Day. A chemistry teacher at Prairie du Chien Senior High School became inspired by the article and founded the National Mole Day Foundation on May 15, 1991. NATIONAL TV TALK SHOW HOST DAY NATIONAL TV TALK SHOW HOST DAY October 23, 2025 NATIONAL TV TALK SHOW HOST DAY On October 23rd get ready to go live before a studio audience on National TV Talk Show Host Day! Created to pay tribute to TV talk show hosts and appreciate their unique form of humor, entertaining stories, spontaneous wit, and timely political jokes. Talk shows come in a variety of platforms. Daytime talk shows provide a combination of current events, health updates, technology news, and entertainment. The later the hour, the more comedy the TV talk show host dishes out. From practical jokes, impersonations, and sketches to games, sidekicks and audience participation. Guests usually star in an upcoming film or made headlines for a stunt, good deed or unusual invention. Each day we watch our favorite talk shows, and we laugh, cry, listen and learn. It is these great hosts that make the shows ones that we want to watch. While they’ve expanded their formats, not much has changed. They still fill the night with humor and popular guests. The band plays along and the audience joins in the pranks, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #TVTalkShowHostDay Learn about TV Talk Show history. Practice your talk show voice. Tell a few one-liners for your family. Discovery some of the history behind the comedy associated with late-night talk shows. Do you have a favorite sketch or game played on a particular show? Invite the family to watch your favorite TV talk show host and use #TVTalkShowHostDay to post on social media. Explore the world of TV talk shows from history by reading 9 Celebrated Talk Shows, too. NATIONAL TV TALK SHOW HOST DAY HISTORY National TV Talk Show Host Day was chosen to be celebrated on The King of Late Night Television’s birthday. John William “Johnny” Carson was born on October 23, 1925. Carson was the host of The Tonight Show for thirty years (1962 – 1992). SWALLOWS DEPART FROM SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO DAY SWALLOWS DEPART FROM SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO DAY October 23, 2025 SWALLOWS DEPART FROM SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO DAY On October 23rd, the Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day marks the migration of thousands of swallows. The famous cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano leave town every year in a swirling mass near the Day of San Juan (October 23). They head for their winter vacation spot 6,000 miles south in Goya, Corrientes, Argentina. Each year, they return on or about March 19th – St. Joseph Day. Their migration has been marked for generations. Cliff swallows are cousins of barn swallows and purple martins. Swallows have long, narrow wings, forked tails, and weak, tiny feet. Incredibly graceful in flight, they feed on the wing, catching insects in their wide mouths; they can effortlessly make abrupt changes in direction or speed as they feed. The cliff swallow has a rusty rump, and when seen from below, it appears to have a squared-off tail and a dark patch on the throat. HOW TO OBSERVE #SwallowsDepartFromSanJuanCapistranoDay Learn more about cliff swallows and their family members. Sketch or photograph them. Watch videos of them in flight. Study their habitat and follow their migration path. Listen to a recording of their song. Use #SwallowsDepartFromSanJuanCapistranoDay to post on social media. SWALLOWS DEPART FROM SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this migration day. • • • • • •	24 NATIONAL BOLOGNA DAY NATIONAL BOLOGNA DAY October 24, 2025 NATIONAL BOLOGNA DAY Each year on October 24th, people across the nation make a sandwich to participate in National Bologna Day. This would be a good day to have a bologna sandwich for lunch. Sometimes this specialty meat is spelled baloney since that’s how many people pronounce it. However, the more common spelling is Bologna. That’s because it originated in the city of Bologna, Italy. This type of sausage is similar to the Italian mortadella. The finely ground pork or beef sausage or a combination is smoked and cured. In Italy, bologna includes a variety of spices not found in American bologna. In fact, in the United States, regulations require American bologna to be finely ground and without visible lard pieces. It hardly resembles anything found in Italy. It can also be made from chicken, turkey, venison, or soy protein. Question mark foodWhen is National Sandwich Day? Many people enjoy bologna sandwiches with a variety of garnishes. Some of those include mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, cheese, lettuce, pickles, tomato, and onion. Bologna Bowl – When a slice of bologna is heated, the fat renders and the round slice takes the shape of a bowl which may be filled with cheese or other fillings. Makers offer a wide variety of bologna to choose from, too! German Bologna Kosher or halal bologna Lebanon bologna Lauantaimakkara Rag bologna South African polony Vegetarian HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBolognaDay Pick out your favorite bologna. Make a sandwich or two. Share with us your favorite toppings, too! Do you toast your bread? Before you take a bite, take a picture to share. Also, if you have a favorite deli serving bologna, give them a shout out! Celebrate by trying something new and enjoy these bologna recipes: Fried Bologna Casserole Various Bologna Recipes Fried Bologna, Egg on Challah Bread with an American Cheese Rarebit Sauce Big Daddy’s Prize-Winning Bologna Sandwich Barbecued Bologna Use #NationalBolognaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BOLOGNA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this tasty food holiday. NATIONAL FOOD DAY NATIONAL FOOD DAY October 24, 2025 NATIONAL FOOD DAY National Food Day focuses on healthy and nutritious food and takes place annually on October 24th. One of the themes of the day aims to help people to “Eat Real.” This theme is defined as “cutting back on sugar drinks, overly salted packaged foods and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and sustainably raised protein.” The observance involves some of the country’s most prominent food activists, too. Their vision includes food that can be healthy, affordable, and produced. At the same time, the goal is to produce food with care for the environment, farm animals, and the people who grow, harvest, and serve it in mind. The movement seeks a balance between nutrition, affordability and the environment. They strive to meet these goals by consistently addressing policy. In 2012, there were 3,200 events taking place from community festivals to a national conference in Washington, D.C. to thousands of school activities. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFood Day Attend an event near you. Learn about healthful eating and sustainable farming. Other ways to celebrate include: Reading some food labels. Learn where the food you eat every day comes from, what’s in it, and more. Challenge yourself to try a food you’ve never eaten before. Plant herbs to use in your kitchen. Start a compost pile to use in your garden. Discover a healthier way to cook your favorite foods. Enjoy some of your favorite healthy foods and use #NationalFoodDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FOOD DAY HISTORY The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) initiated National Food Day 2011. The nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food is a grassroots campaign for better food policies. This project builds throughout the year and culminates on October 24th of each year. UNITED NATIONS DAY UNITED NATIONS DAY October 24, 2025 UNITED NATIONS DAY United Nations Day recognizes the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. The celebration is observed annually on October 24th. U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization. The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people and cares for the Earth, our one and only home. ~ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Today the United Nations consists of 193 member states and 2 observer states. The mission of the United Nation is to maintain international peace and security. The UN also sets terms for protecting human rights around the world. In 1948, they created international law with a Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The member nations deliver humanitarian aid to populations in crisis. The first aid delivered was an immediate response to the devastation following World War II. Another aim of the international organization is to promote sustainable development. Some major achievements of the UN include: The UN peacekeeping budget is less than 0.5% of global military spending Their World Food Programme (WFP) provides food and assistance to 91 million people in 83 countries They also supply vaccines to 45% of the world’s children The UN helps people who displaced by violence, conflict, and persecution HOW TO OBSERVE #UNITED NATIONS DAY Throughout the day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris hosts conferences and meetings. They also display exhibits of UN achievements. On United Nations Day, schools throughout the world celebrate the diversity of their student bodies. These schools also hold cultural performances and food fairs. A UN Day concert is held each year to commemorate the day. The concert is held at the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Performers at the concert have included the KBS Traditional Music Orchestra, Stevie Wonder, the Harlem Boys Gospel Choir, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. To participate in United Nations Day, think about how diversity makes our lives better. Make it a goal to learn something about each of the 193 countries that make up the United Nations. Find out what all the flags of each country look like. If you know someone who is of a different nationality, ask them questions about their country of origin. To spread awareness, share #UnitedNationsDay on social media. NATIONAL UNITED NATIONS DAY HISTORY Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the name “United Nations” during World War II. Twenty-six nations united to pledge their governments to continue fighting against the Axis Powers. In 1945, delegates from 51 countries drew up the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, California. They signed the Charter on June 26th, 1945 and it was ratified on October 24th, 1945. United Nations Day originated in 1948. • • •	25 CHUCKY, THE NOTORIOUS KILLER DOLL DAY CHUCKY, THE NOTORIOUS KILLER DOLL DAY October 25, 2025 CHUCKY, THE NOTORIOUS KILLER DOLL DAY Chucky, the Notorious Killer Doll Day is observed annually on October 25th. For those who aren’t Chucky fans, you have a pass. All others, get your popcorn and beverages of choice and hit play! Some who celebrate, dress up as Chucky. Those who collect Chucky merchandise add to their collection. Others, take a thrill in learning new behind-the-scene facts or reading up on Chucky fan pages. This creepy horror flick staple of the 1980s has a full name – Charles Lee Ray. And he gets it from three real-life and notorious killers. Can you guess who they are? Horror films often have a crossover interest. Whether an actor, character or element bleeds over into another film, fans love to pick up on the nuances. This time of year, film buffs and Halloween fans meet. This holiday brings them together under one banner of fear, thrills, and trivia. HOW TO OBSERVE #ChuckyTheNotoriousKillerDollDay Test your movie knowledge. While you’re at it, watch the various Chucky movies. Invite friends to join you and get them hooked, too. Play Chucky trivia or visit a haunted house dressed as Chucky. Host a Chucky themed pumpkin carving contest or a costume contest. Give prizes to the guest who can name the most number of actors in each of the films. Make your favorite movie-watching treats and turn into a party. Name the foods after the movies. Here are some suggestions: Child’s Play Popcorn Bride of Chucky Wedding Cake Pumpkin Spawn of Chucky Seeds Curse of Chucky Chicken Wings Cult of Chucky Dipping Sauces If you’re looking to add a little more fright to this holiday season, check out 8 Freaky Faces of Horror Movies. Be sure to use #ChuckyTheNotoriousKillerDollDay to post on social media. CHUCKY, THE NOTORIOUS KILLER DOLL DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this frightening holiday. NATIONAL GREASY FOODS DAY NATIONAL GREASY FOODS DAY October 25, 2025 NATIONAL GREASY FOODS DAY Those watching the scale beware. Augment the diet for National Greasy Foods Day on October 25th. Although not the healthiest of choices, every once in a while, it is okay to enjoy some greasy food. From fried chicken, pizza, nachos, and french fries to bacon and hash brown potatoes, we all like a treat in our regular diet. Cooking oil types include: Olive oil – Palm oil – Soybean oil – Canola oil – Pumpkin oil – Corn oil – Sunflower oil – Safflower oil – Peanut oil – Grapeseed oil – Sesame oil – Agran oil – Rice bran oil – Other vegetable oils – Butter and lard. Oil may be flavored with aromatic flavorings such as herbs, chilies, or garlic. Greasy foods can be prepared with healthier oils and with much less than average amounts of oil used when cooking, making them much healthier choices. For the educators and homeschoolers, National Day Calendar tested an assignment in our own classroom and made the material ready for you to use. HOW TO OBSERVE #GreasyFoodsDay There are so many greasy foods to try! Which will you try first? French fries come to mind. So do onion rings. However, mozzarella sticks sound good, too. Don’t forget the dipping sauces! Indulge yourself with some greasy foods and use #GreasyFoodsDay to post on social media. NATIONAL GREASY FOODS DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this food holiday. NATIONAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY NATIONAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY October 25, 2025 NATIONAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY National Make A Difference Day brings community service to a whole new level each year. Organizations join forces on the fourth Saturday in October to make a difference, big or small. Millions of people have united in the common mission to improve the lives of others. For more than 20 years, USA Weekend and Points of Light sponsored National Make a Difference Day. It became the largest national day of community service. However, the two organizations no longer promote the community service weekend. Despite that, the event carries on, thanks to many with like-minded beliefs in their communities. All across the country, organizations pick up the tools required to help others during this weekend. Sometimes, they pick another weekend in October. However, they do it, they do so making a difference in the lives of others and their communities. The expression of love for each other through support and good ol’ elbow grease is sometimes all we need to make a difference. HOW TO OBSERVE #MakeADifferenceDay Making a difference can come in many forms so this day is wide open for participation! Volunteer in your community or for an organization with merit. Be a mentor. Help a youth or another professional to gain new skills. Make a donation to a charity with meaning to you. Say a kind word of support to someone who is struggling. Put your skills to work. Sometimes our hobbies can bring joy to others in ways we least expect it. Do what you can to make a difference and use #MakeADifferenceDay to post on social media. MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY HISTORY Make a Difference Day was created in 1992 by USA WEEKEND magazine and joined by Points of Light. Together they sponsored the largest national day of community service for more than twenty years. While the organizations no longer support Make a Difference Day, the observance still impacts communities around the country. Volunteers and organizations have taken up the banner to help their communities in ways that best fit their needs. Those Who Make A Difference Laurence Segal’s Cans For Cancer (Bottles 4 A Cure) collects bottles and cans each year in the name of Make A Difference Day. The proceeds are donated to cancer research. The Center for Nonprofit Management at MSU Texas in Wichita Falls, Texas promotes an event in the spirit of the day, too. Check out their Calendar of Events for dates and times. Central School of Grand Cane, Louisiana will participate by spending the day sanding and painting picnic tables. The National Honor Society members are volunteering their time for this project. The Kiwanis Club embraces the Make A Difference Day theme each year. Learn more about their projects by visiting kiwanis.org. The TRIO Club at Centralia College in Centralia, Washington will be supporting the local ECEAP program with shoes and coats for 3-5 year-olds. The Volunteer Center in Winnetka, IL, hosts a volunteer event each year. Forest City, California, hosts events each year that support those in the community. Since 2008, Fountain Hills Arizona has been participating in National Make A Difference Day. Volunteers support a variety of opportunities to help their community and those who live there. Do you know an organization that carries on the torch for Make A Difference Day each year? Send us the information through our Contact Us link. and we’ll add it to the list. NATIONAL MERRI MUSIC DAY NATIONAL MERRI MUSIC DAY October 25, 2025 NATIONAL MERRI MUSIC DAY \| October 25 October 25 celebrates National Merri Music Day to honor an innovative sound system and a music concept that began post World War II in Jamaica. #NationalMerriMusicDay On National Merri Music Day, we are celebrating the Merritone Sound System as the oldest sound system on the planet. Merritone is the only sound system founded in the original sound system era of the 1940s and 1950s that is still in operation. As the last sound standing, Merritone Music encourages music lovers around the globe to learn about the historical movement that has influenced musical genres in Jamaica and the world. What is a Sound System? A sound system of the late 1940s and 50s is a public address apparatus with turntables attached to it for sound reinforcement and the amplification of music. Today, sound systems are still a big part of the Jamaica musical scene with many famous selectors, aka DJs. The original sound systems were born out of a need to bring music and entertainment to Jamaica’s working class. Before the sound systems, musical entertainment in Jamaica came from live bands. The cost associated with these events limited attendees to upper class Jamaicans and tourists. Thus, with the introduction of the sound system, contemporary music was brought to the masses. Sound systems played at house parties, lawns, and dancehalls. How old is Merritone Music? Originating over 55 years ago, Merritone Music turns 72 years old in 2022. Merritone sound system hails from Morant Bay, which is the capital of the parish of St. Thomas in southeastern Jamaica. Merritone’s founder, Val Blake loved Latin music and dances, such as cha cha cha, waltz, and slow love songs, which gave this sound system its distinctly identifiable music formula. Iconic Influence Merritone Music is credited for directly influencing the rise of ska, reggae, rock steady, and the present-day dancehall music culture. In fact, unlike live music where a single or a few genres of music are played, Merritone offers a variety of Jamaican mento, calypso, American R&B, and country during a session or party. Many musicians and producers sought out Merritone Music to play their records, such as Bob Marley and producers Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Winston ‘Niney’ Holness, and Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee, to name a few. Often, they would play songs not found on the radio. In fact, they were famous for making B-side records instant hits. This was one of the main reasons local artists flocked to Merritone Music performances. If they could get their song played at a Merritone session, it was going to be a hit. Their influence made local artists highly successful. MERRI SOUNDING MUSIC Learn the complete history of the Merritone Sound System. Attend Merritone Sound System sessions. Research Jamaican culture and history. Make plans to attend a future Merritone Reunion. Share and post your Merritone Music stories using #NationalMerriMusicDay. HISTORICAL SOUND National Day Calendar gives credit to Monique Blake of Merritone Music Inc. as the founder of National Merri Music Day. The day honors her grandfather Val Blake’s birthday, October 25th. Val died in 1956, leaving behind four sons, Trevor, Winston, Tyrone, and Monte. His 2 oldest sons, Trevor, and Winston took charge of the sound system after his death. Trevor would eventually migrate to the U.S leaving Winston and his 2 younger brothers to continue Merritone. The Blake brothers stood out as the only sound that would feature a family of DJs. While all brothers played, Winston and Monte are the two most recognized selectors. Winston was instrumental in making the Merritone sound a Jamaican national treasure and a global phenomenon. National Merritone Music Memories Winston Blake was born on November 19, 1940, to Ruthlyn and Winston St. Valentine “Val” Blake. Ruthlyn died shortly after the birth of Monte, the youngest Merritone brother. Val was left to care for his 4 sons. As a Public Works accountant and a part time Philips Electronics salesman, he searched for additional ways to support his family. Trevor and Winston attended school in Kingston. One day after school, while waiting at a bus stop, they heard music pumping from Mr. Chin’s Sky Rocket Sound System. They came home and urged their father to start a sound system as a means to generate extra income. In the beginning, Val resisted because sound systems were not considered socially acceptable for the middle class. Eventually, he gave in and Merritone Music was born. The sound system went on to break down the stigma of sound systems and brought music to both working and middle class people, national and international politicians, Jamaican prime ministers, world renowned musicians, and music lovers from around the world. Facts and Tidbits Merritone Music is the last ‘sound’ standing. It is the only sound system that began in the original sound system era of the 1940s and 1950s that continues to play today. In addition, it is the only sound system to play on all modern musical formats, including shellac 78 RPM, vinyl records, 8 track, cassette, CDs, and digital music. As many firsts in sound system, music, and Jamaican history, Merritone Music stands out as a historic presence. Always using music to unite the people of the world, Merritone has been breaking down social barriers since its creation. In the 1960s the Merritone brothers played at the University of West Indies, exposing students from middle-class families to a sound system. In the 1970s, Merritone became the first sound system to play at a world class hotel, the Sheraton in New Kingston. Winston sought to showcase Jamaican talent and started the Merritone VIP Talent Exposure. This show discovered some of Jamaica’s most prominent singers including the following: Cynthia ‘Songbird’ Schloss Beresford Hammond The Tamlins Jacob Miller Ruddy Thomas The Mighty Diamonds. Merritone Music began playing in New York in the late 60s, but it was not until the 70s that international tours became a mainstay. They played in US cities like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New York, as well as Toronto and London where Merritone fans moved to during the Great Migration. It was the first Jamaican based sound system to play internationally. In 1972, Winston opened the Turntable Club. It became the home of Merritone Music for the next 29 years. It was the site of the first live recording session at a night club in Jamaica featuring Dennis Brown. Entertainers like Marvin Gaye, Keith Richards, Johnny Nash, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff frequented the club. Turntable Club is Jamaica’s longest running nightclub. In fact, in honor of its contribution to Jamaica’s musical culture, Turntable Club was designated a National Heritage site in 2018 by the Government of Jamaica. Awards & Commendations 1997: The Government of Jamaica awarded Winston Blake with the Order of Distinction (OD), the highest civilian recognition, in honor of his contributions to Jamaican music. 2000: St Thomas Municipal Council renamed Bay Mount (the original Merritone Music home site) to Blake Hill in recognition of Merritone Music’s 50th anniversary. 2000: Reggae Canada honored Winston Blake with the Icons Award. NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY October 25, 2025 NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday in October extends one of the country’s favorite holidays – Halloween! Dressing up as the scariest or most fascinating character we know draws us to the holiday. People of all ages put hours of effort into creating elaborate costumes for one big night. Wouldn’t it be nice to get dress up and pretend just a little bit more? Of course, it would! This celebration offers the ideal opportunity to host spooky parties, neighborhood trick or treating or local festivals. And everyone gets to wear their scariest, most elaborate, delightful costumes, too! What a fun way to get together with friends and family to carve pumpkins and enjoy the fall weather while extending the life of your creative ideas. HOW TO OBSERVE #TrickOrTreatDay Get the whole family dressed up and go trick or treating! Organize a trunk or treat activity with your office, church, or volunteer group. Host costume party. No matter how you celebrate, extend the life of your costume for the season and make sure more people see your creative ideas. The Centers for Disease Control provides us with excellent tips for a safe Trick or Treat Day. And no matter how you celebrate, be sure to take pictures and share them using #TrickOrTreatDay on social media. Be sure to take pictures and share them using #TrickOrTreatDay on social media. NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY HISTORY National Trick or treat day logoThe Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) founded National Trick or Treat Day in 2019 to extend the Halloween season. In 2018 they launched a national petition to change the date Americans celebrated Halloween. Nearly 70,000 people signed their change.org petition, and more than 200 major media outlets covered their story. After interacting with the public and listening to feedback, they initiated an extension to Halloween instead. Additionally, the HCA created an Official Halloween Toolkit with ideas to help communities all across to help implement parades, events and costumes. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed this spooky celebration to be observed the last Saturday in October, annually. SOUREST DAY SOUREST DAY October 25, 2025 SOUREST DAY Sourest Day follows on the heels of Sweetest Day. This sourest day of the year is observed annually on October 25th. If life is giving you lemons or you feel like a grumpy Gus, this day is for you. Take your glass-half-full attitude and spread the joy -er- gloom. Smiles be banished! Replace them all with pouts and terrible frowns. Wallow in your petulant mood. Take sulking to new lows. Frown like a clown catching the midnight train outta town. Develop a harrumph worth trademarking. Scowl so foul that people will catch a whiff of it before they even see you. When walking by a skein of yarn, it should leap onto your brow already knitted. That’s just how sour you need to be on this day. HOW TO OBSERVE #SourestDay Have a sour day, all day. Bet you can’t stay sour ALL day! Use #SourestDay to post on social media. SOUREST DAY HISTORY Richard Ankli of Ann Arbor, Michigan, created this counterpoint holiday in 1977 to honor a friend with a Sauer last name and a birthday landing on October 25th. • • • • • •
26 Event October 26, 2025 NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds. By October 26th, we’re in a frenzy of pumpkin obsession. We cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. No siree, we need pumpkin everything! Bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta, and oatmeal. Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs, and television specials. Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving, too! This fruit grabs Americans’ attention. As it should! This squash is native to North America. The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates back to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico. The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which means “large melon” in Greek. Within recent years, white pumpkins have become more popular in the United States. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois producing more than any other state. Question mark foodWhen is Gingerbread Cookie Day? In 2021, Italian Stefano Cutrupi claimed the title of the world’s largest pumpkin when his gargantuan gourd weighed in at 2703 pounds (1,226 kg). That’s 300 pounds heavier than the 2014 winner from Switzerland. In 2020, Travis Gienger grew the largest pumpkin in North America. The hefty vegetable weighed in at 2,350 pounds. It eeked out the previous winner, a 2,145-pound pumpkin from Streator, Illinois grown by Gene McMullen. Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, but they’re not only good for humans. Did you know that pumpkin may be recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats? Since pumpkin is easy to digest, if your pet is experiencing certain digestive ailments, don’t be surprised if your vet says to give them pumpkin puree. Poultry also benefits from eating raw pumpkin as a supplement to their regular feed during the winter months to help maintain egg production. As a seasonal food, it sure comes at the right time of year. Since it’s packed with vitamin C, it can boost your immune system to fight off those nasty colds, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPumpkinDay Ah, pumpkins! They bring to mind wonderful memories and inspire us to artistry. Whether we frame the perfect photo at the local pumpkin patch, carve up the scariest jack-o-lantern or whip up the tastiest batch of pumpkin bars, this is a holiday worth sharing. Roast some pumpkin seeds while the family rakes up those fall leaves. Pour a mug of hot apple cider and bake up your favorite pumpkin recipes, too. Or try a new one. We offer several for you to try! As always, invite someone to Celebrate Every Day® with you, too. Pumpkin Lasagna Savory Pumpkin Raviolo Debbie’s Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Pudding Use #NationalPumpkinDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this garden squash-related holiday. NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED October 26, 2025 NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED On October 26th, National Day of the Deployed annually honors the United States military personnel deployed around the globe. The designation recognizes all of the brave military personnel who have been deployed, are sacrificing, or have sacrificed their lives to defend our country. It also acknowledges their families who are separated from them during deployment and the sacrifices they make in order for their family members to serve our country. HOW TO OBSERVE #DayOfTheDeployed Many deployed troops leave their families behind to serve their country. They make the greatest sacrifices to keep their country secure. A few ways to recognize their services include: Donate to a military organization like the USO. They support troops in the U.S. and overseas. The USO also provides support to the families before, during and after service. Send care packages. Visit Support Out Troops to find out what and where to send care packages worldwide. Locally, attend ceremonies honoring the military. Volunteer your time and services to local military organizations. If you know a military family, ask what support they need. Needs vary by family. Some just need to hear from home and know they are in your thoughts. Offer to support military personnel who have no family. They deploy with no one back home to send care packages or other support. Use #DayOfTheDeployed to post on social media. NATIONAL DAY OF DEPLOYED HISTORY Shelle Michaels Aberle founded National Day of the Deployed in 2006. Ms. Aberle approached then North Dakota Governor John Hoeven for support of a North Dakota Proclamation for the day. Governor Hoeven was the first governor in the United States to recognize deployed troops in a formal proclamation. Aberle’s cousin, Bottineau ND native, David Hosna, was a deployed Major in the US Army for the first Day of the Deployed. Aberle chose October 26th as it was Hosna’s Birthday. He later retired as a Colonel. Grand Forks, North Dakota hosted the first event and honored the NDARNG 1-188th ADA SECFOR and JLENS deployed to Afghanistan. In 2011, Senator John Hoeven led the efforts and co-sponsored S.RES.295 for a national day of honor. On October 18, 2011, the resolution passed unanimously for the first national day honoring deployed troops and their families. As of 2012, all 50 states observed National Day of the Deployed. NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY October 26, 2025 NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY On October 26th, National Financial Crime Fighter Day recognizes the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) professionals. Because not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear business suits, dresses, or jeans and serve in the back offices of financial institutions. These are the people who protect the United States financial industry. They include law enforcement officers and other government personnel. HISTORY OF FINANCIAL CRIME During the 1960s and 70s, the drug wars created an increase in illicit and illegal earnings entering the United States financial system, funding more criminal activity – including drug and human trafficking. Congress passed the Banking Secrecy Act (BSA) in 1970 to create better anti-money laundering (AML) efforts and prevent financing of criminal activities. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the BSA was reinforced. Congress introduced the USA PATRIOT Act. Signed on October 26, 2001, it cemented the critical role of BSA and AML professionals. BSA/AML PROFESSIONALS BSA and AML professionals work tirelessly around the clock to protect our financial system. While banking regulations evolved and enforcement increased, the mandate of the BSA Officer remains the same. They are the first line of defense in the protection of our financial system from illegal and terrorist activity. They stop drug cartel money from returning to their country of origin. BSA Officers prevent human traffickers from financing their operations. Their investigations uncover movements that preclude terrorists from funding their activities. Throughout their work, the BSA Officer works interminably and monitors it all. This role also comes with substantial ramifications. BSA professionals face large amounts of stress and little tolerance for errors. In recent years, BSA professionals have been held personally liable with jail time or hefty fines for loose BSA/AML programs at their institutions. Combined, these characteristics demonstrate the significance of their role and its importance to our national security. While the burden of such responsibility rarely comes with recognition, a day like National Financial Crime Fighter Day creates an opportunity to show appreciation. The day specifically honors the dedicated BSA and ALM professionals across the country. The day also provides a way to raise awareness of their on-going efforts to protect the financial system and obstruct criminal activity. HOW TO OBSERVE #FinancialCrimeFighterDay Take time to appreciate the financial security provided by the on-going efforts of BSA and AML professionals around the country. Use #FinancialCrimeFighterDay or #BSAAMLDay to share on social media. Abrigo - National Financial Crime Fighters Day NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY HISTORY Abrigo™, a leading enterprise risk management solution, founded National Financial Crime Fighter Day on October 26, 2018. The day encourages the country to show gratitude toward BSA and AML professionals and everything these specialists do for the financial industry in the United States. Abrigo knows how hard these professionals work day in and day out. Because of that, they worked hard to get them the national acknowledgment and appreciation they deserve. Additionally, Abrigo pledges to keep pushing for more awareness and recognition for BSA and AML professionals, the true superheroes of the financial industry. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Financial Crime Fighter Day to be observed annually on October 26th. NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY October 26, 2025 NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY National Mincemeat Day celebrates a 15th-century English recipe mixing spiced meat and fruit. Bake up a batch on October 26th! Originally, mincemeat served as a way of preserving meat without salting or smoking. Bakers then used the filling to make mince pies. They became a unique part of holiday dinners. In some families, mincemeat pies still find a place at the holiday dinner table today. Many modern recipes contain only fruit, sometimes with liquor as an added ingredient. You may have heard stories about mincemeat pie from your grandparents, aunts, and uncles or possibly read about it in a book. However, if you have never had the opportunity to try one, National Mincemeat Day would be the day to do so. HOW TO OBSERVE #MincemeatDay Do you have an old mincemeat recipe? Does it call for spiced meat or just fruit? We would love to hear about family memories and your take on the flavors of mincemeat. Whether you consider it sweet and spice or just plain strange, tell us. Share your recipes or bake up a batch and share photo on social media. Be sure to include family in the making, too! Following are some mincemeat recipes for you: Mincemeat Pie Filling Homemade Mincemeat Use #MincemeatDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this tasty holiday. NATIONAL MOTHER-IN-LAW DAY NATIONAL MOTHER-IN-LAW DAY October 26, 2025 NATIONAL MOTHER-IN-LAW DAY National Mother-in-Law Day on the fourth Sunday in October honors that special woman who brought the love of your life into this world. Like Mother’s Day in May, this day celebrates the other mom in many people’s lives. She makes room for her expanding family. While opening her arms wide, she babysits and gives advice. From swapping holidays to putting extra leaves in the table, the mother-in-law aims for her children to be whole and secure. Sometimes, it takes years to develop a relationship with your mother-in-law. In other cases, an immediate bond is made. When their children are happy and healthy in their relationships, it makes their jobs as mothers-in-law easy. All they have to do is love their children. The day honors all that mothers-in-law do to support their children’s families. From the newest to the more mature relationships, each and every family member knows the mother-in-law is a vital part of the family. HOW TO OBSERVE #MotherInLawDay Whether you’re close to your mother-in-law or not, celebrate her. Even the smallest gesture will make her day. Offer to take her to her favorite restaurant. Ask her what task needs doing around the house. Play her favorite card came with her. Better still, ask her to teach you to do something only she knows how to do – making that special recipe, editing a resume or speaking in public. Be sure to compliment her, too. Mothers-in-law will appreciate you thinking of them. Smile for family pictures! You know what makes her happy. Be sure to use #MotherInLawDay when posting on social media. NATIONAL MOTHER-IN-LAW DAY HISTORY Gene Howe, the editor of a local Amarillo newspaper, initiated this holiday in honor of mothers-in-law. Modeled after Mother’s Day, the first observance was celebrated on March 5, 1934, in Amarillo, Texas. Through the years, celebrants observed the day on various days. In later years, the Mother-in-Law Day Committee developed and selected honorees each year. Then in the 1970s, the American Society of Florists proclaimed the last Sunday in October to be National Mother-In-Law-Day. The date has been observed since. NATIONAL MULE DAY NATIONAL MULE DAY October 26, 2025 NATIONAL MULE DAY National Mule Day, on October 26th, recognizes an intelligent pack animal many mistaken to be stubborn. A mule is a hybrid cross between a male donkey (jack) and a female horse. As a hybrid, the animal inherits characteristics from both parents. The mule possesses the strength, intelligence, patience, perseverance, endurance, sure-footedness, and even temper of the donkey. From the horse, the mule inherits beauty, athletic ability, courage, vigor, and speed. In addition, mules appear to require less food than a horse of similar size. When is National Horse Day? According to the American Mule Museum: Early explorers brought donkeys to America, but they were quite small. George Washington played a significant role in the development of the mule population in America. He recognized the value of the sturdy animal in agriculture and became the first American breeder. Washington wished to breed the very best mules, but he faced a significant obstacle – the Spanish government at that time prohibited the acquisition or exportation of the famous Andalusian donkey. So Washington wrote to King Charles of Spain requesting permission to purchase good quality breeding stock. In October of 1785, a ship docked in Boston harbor carrying a gift from King Charles for George Washington – two fine jennies and a 4-year old Spanish jack named, appropriately, “Royal Gift’. That royal gift from the Spanish king is credited with the development of the American mule. Today it’s considered the beginning of a dynasty that “reshaped the very landscape of the country.” HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMuleDay Visit a zoo or farm to learn more about the mighty mule. Read about the history of the mule, or share your favorite stories involving a mule. Then, use #NationalMuleDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MULE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of the hybrid holiday. NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY October 26, 2025 NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY National Tennessee Day recognizes the Volunteer State on October 26. Tennessee was the 16th state admitted to the union. The great state brings with it the Great Smoky Mountains, centers for blues and country music, and depth of history that surges through art. As the gateway to the deep south, Tennessee experienced heavy burdens during the Civil War. As a slaveholding state with many Union sympathizers and Union occupying units, Tennessee was often as divided as the country during the war. It was the only state to have a battle or skirmish in every county. Two anchor cities, Memphis and Nashville, provide abundant talent and draw even more. It should be no surprise the music and entertainment industry thrive in Tennessee. For more than 75 years The Grand Ole Opry has provided a cornerstone of radio performances. thrilling audiences of all ages. The state lays claim to royalty, too! The King of Rock and Roll made his home at Graceland. Today it is the most frequently visited private residence visited after the Whitehouse. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, too. The region is brimming with waterfalls, trails, and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains provide plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTennessee Day Join National Day Calendar as we recognize Tennessee’s outstanding voices, art, and history. Delight in all of Tennessee’s talent and adventure. Use #NationalTennesseeDay to share on social media. • • • • • • •	27 NATIONAL AMERICAN BEER DAY NATIONAL AMERICAN BEER DAY October 27, 2025 NATIONAL AMERICAN BEER DAY National American Beer Day raises a glass to the rich American beermaking history and those who savor the continued traditions. Pour your favorite pint with millions who enjoy the storied brews across the nation. U.S. Brewing History Brewing beer in America begins long before Europeans arrived since Native Americans brewed beer from a variety of ingredients. They used corn, birch sap, and water to ferment their beverage. Then when the first colonists arrived in Virginia, they began combining their brewing traditions with the supplies at hand – that included corn, too. Since then, brewing and brewers became a principal occupation in the colonies. Interestingly, the first white child born in Manhattan grew up to be the first brewer born in America. Today, the brewery established by David G. Yuengling is the oldest producing brewery in the United States. He established the Eagle Brewery in 1829. Amazingly, the brewery still remains in the family to this day. Unlike most other breweries of the time, the Eagle Brewery survived Prohibition. In fact, very few survived. Those that did survive tried various legal and illegal tactics. In the Eagle Brewery’s case, they reduced their alcohol content to within the legal limit. They also branched out. Ice cream anyone? Yes, the Yuengling’s started a dairy. Others turned their beermaking supplies into other products. When prohibition lifted, they returned to full-fledged beermaking. Despite these efforts, nearly every brewer existing before prohibition dissolved. Out of just over 1,300 brewers, only about 100 remained after prohibition. Today, we recognize the names of many of those surviving breweries. The skill of a brewer requires years of practice in the trade. It’s revered even. In Milwaukee, their professional baseball team is named after the brewer. In St. Louis and Denver, the stadiums are named after prominent brewers. More than 2,100 breweries are manufacturing beer in the United States. They range in size from industry giants to brewpubs and microbreweries. American Beer Facts The U.S. produced 196 million barrels of beer in 2009. Americans consume roughly 20 US gallons of beer per capita annually. In 2008, the United States ranked sixteenth in the world in per capita consumption. However, total consumption was second only to China. After Congress repealed prohibition, the industry consolidated into a small number of large-scale breweries. The majority of the new breweries in the U.S. are small breweries and brewpubs. As members of the Brewers Association, they are termed “craft breweries” to differentiate them from the larger and older breweries. Larger breweries most commonly produce the American lager. However, smaller breweries (many founded in the 1980s) produce a range of styles. Beer styles originating in the United States include: American pale ale Pennsylvania porter American IPA steam beer amber ale cream ale Cascadian dark ale. HOW TO OBSERVE #AmericanBeerDay Enjoy your favorite American Beer. Invite a friend or two to join you. While you’re at it, try something different. American beers offer a variety of options to choose from. Do you have a favorite brewery? Give them a shout-out, too! The brewmaster deserves to be recognized. Tour a brewery to learn more. While you’re there, try a sample or two. Now, beer also holds great influence. If you didn’t know that, read about 5 Surprising Ways Beer Changed the World. Remember, always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Use #AmericanBeerDay to post on social media. NATIONAL AMERICAN BEER DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this hoppy holiday. NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY October 27, 2025 NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY Don’t be superstitious on National Black Cat Day! October 27th celebrates the beauty of these sleek creatures. The day also seeks to raise awareness about the low adoption rates for black cats. This time of year, many black cats may decorate many thresholds for Halloween and windows for spooky decor. However, these felines deserve the love and attention just as much as their tabby equivalents. Old notions have given these furry critters a bad reputation. The day is about turning that reputation around. Their black canine counterparts also face similar adoption problems. So, it’s not all about myth and mystery. However, increasing support for the black feline’s plight is the goal of this companion holiday. HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackCatDay If you are a cat lover and considering adopting, don’t overlook the ebony to go with your ivory. Knock those irrational fears to the door and open your home to the dark side! Visit a shelter near you and explore the ebony options available in the cat room. Volunteer if you don’t have the opportunity to adopt. You’ll be able to spread the word about these svelte beauties. Despite their look, they each exhibit a different persona. If your home is graced with a black cat, share photos of your fine feline on social media. Let the world know there’s nothing to fear. Use #BlackCatDay to share on social media. NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY HISTORY Cats Protection, an animal charity in the United Kingdom, founded National Black Cat Day to raise awareness concerning the lower rates of adoption for black cats. NATIONAL CIVICS DAY NATIONAL CIVICS DAY October 27, 2025 NATIONAL CIVICS DAY National Civics Day on October 27th celebrates the importance of civic education all across America. The observance also commemorates the date the Federalist Papers were first published on October 27, 1787. These documents served as a foundation for the United States Constitution. About the Federalist Papers Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote 85 essays under the pen name “Publius.” The essays were published in newspapers across New York State. The first essay was published on October 27, 1787. The Federalist Papers (also known as The Federalist) supported the passing of the United States Constitution and urged citizens to ratify the legislation. Hamilton, Jay, and Madison’s essays outlined the Constitution providing thorough explanations for citizens. Civic Education Civic education prepares students for their roles as citizens. Governments at every level are not self-sufficient organisms. They require the action of civic-minded individuals to continue a constitutional democracy. A civic-minded society understands and accepts these responsibilities and rights. Civic education is a social science that studies the rights and obligations of citizens in society. Students benefit from a strong civics education in many ways: Improved critical thinking Communication skills Community service Civic engagement They are also more likely to vote, volunteer, engage in political discussions at home, work on community projects, speak publicly, and communicate with elected officials. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCivicsDay Join the conversation on National Civics Day. Encourage your schools and community to celebrate the day with events and programs. You can also: Promote – Spread the word about Civic Education through social media, educational events, local media, or sharing across your networks. Use #NationalCivicsDay when you do. Advocate – Contact local policymakers, hold an educational event for them, or ask them to write a proclamation in support of Civic Education. Support – Organize a Civic Education Day activity in your school, organization, or community, or donate to a Civic Education organization. Volunteer – Make a difference in your community and beyond. The day is also an occasion to showcase civics in action. Highlight the civic opportunities in your community and demonstrate the results of civic projects. Show civics in action in your community, local governments, schools, and organizations. Celebrate National Civics Day when you use #NationalCivicsDay on social media. NATIONAL CIVICS DAY HISTORY The Long Island University’s Roosevelt School and The Society of Presidential Descendents founded National Civics Day in 2021 to celebrate the importance of civic education as a foundation for a strong democracy. National Civics Day is an opportunity for Americans to answer the call by President John F. Kennedy that “democracy is never a final achievement…It is a call to an untiring effort.” National Civics Day is an opportunity for Americans to celebrate civics for all through school, business, and community projects that include showcasing, promoting, and supporting civic education and community service. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Civics Day to be observed on October 27, 2021, and every year thereafter. NAVY DAY NAVY DAY October 27, 2025 NAVY DAY Navy Day on October 27th salutes all of the military personnel who have served, both past and present, in the United States Navy. The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy currently stands as the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The service engages over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve. Navy History Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Navy’s importance grew. Today, the United States maintains 40 naval bases across the country, including the world’s largest Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia. Below the sea, submarines became a part of the Navy during World War II. While experiments began in the late 1800s and during the Civil War, they did not join a large part of the Navy inventory until World War II. At that point, subs became necessary for surveillance and rescue, even though they were also armed. With the advent of the airplane, the Navy became vital stations for the Airforce as well. As a result, the Navy modified ships into floating landing strips. Today, joint Naval and Airbases such as Pearl Harbor-Hickam provided necessary fleets of the sea and air defense. Theodore Roosevelt and the Navy Between 1922 and 1972, the Navy celebrated its birthday on October 27th in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birth. He elevated the U.S. Navy to a premier fighting force. During his term as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he built up the power and strength of the U.S. Navy. Roosevelt’s pursuit of the naval aircraft advanced the U.S. Navy. As president, Roosevelt was the first president to submerge in a submarine and also the first to fly. His support of the Navy led the former Secretary of the Navy, John F. Lehman, to say, Theodore Roosevelt, “was one of the architects of our modern Navy.” HOW TO OBSERVE #NavyDay Recognize Naval service members and their dedication to their country. Visit a Naval museum to learn more about the Navy’s history. Discover more about naval training, the types of ships in our fleets, and where they sail around the world. Use #NavyDay to post on social media. NATIONAL NAVY DAY HISTORY The Navy League of the United States organized the first Navy Day in 1922, choosing October 27th to honor the birth of President Theodore Roosevelt. Navy Day received particular attention from President Warren Harding. Harding wrote to the Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby: “Thank you for your note which brings assurance of the notable success which seems certain to attend the celebration of Navy Day on Friday, October 27, in commemoration of past and present services of the Navy. From our earliest national beginnings, the Navy has always been and deserved to be an object of special pride to the American people. Its record is indeed one to inspire such sentiments, and I am very sure that such a commemoration as is planned will be a timely reminder.” In 1949, the Department of Defense Secretary Louis A. Johnson directed the United States Navy’s participation on Armed Forces Day in May. Although, as a civilian organization, the Navy League was not affected by this directive and continued to organize Navy Day celebrations as before. Then, in the 1970s the “birthday” of the Continental Navy was found to be October 13, 1775. CNO Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt worked with the Navy League to define October 13th as the new date of Navy Day. However, Navy Day in the United States remains primarily recognized as October 27th. • • • •	28 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY October 28, 2025 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY National Chocolate Day, on October 28th, recognizes one of the world’s favorite tastes. While many specific chocolate-related holidays exist throughout the year, National Chocolate Day celebrates all things chocolate. Chocolate earns its day of honor by being America’s favorite flavor. (Some sources designate July 7 or December 28 as Chocolate Day or International Chocolate Day.) How is chocolate made? Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Humans have been cultivating cacao for at least three millennia. The plant grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Historians document the earliest known use of cacao seeds at around 1100 BC. The intense, bitter taste of cocoa requires the bean to be fermented to develop the flavor. Research suggests that chocolate, when eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure. Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The cacao nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form. The cocoa mass is usually liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Unsweetened baking chocolate – cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. Sweet chocolate – cocoa solids, cocoa butter or other fat and sugar. Milk chocolate – sweet chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk. White chocolate – cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChocolateDay Visit your favorite restaurant and indulge in a delicious chocolate dessert. Another idea is to host a chocolate tasting party. Invite friends to bring their best chocolate recipes to share. Here are a few recipes to try. Chocolate Lasagna Fudge No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Use #NationalChocolateDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY National Confectioners Association created National Chocolate Day NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY October 28, 2025 NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY October 28th sets aside National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand. First responders dedicate their lives to save lives. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of the world flees. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities where they live. They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators. In an emergency, they’re the first on the scene. These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line. Serving as a national day of gratitude, we pay tribute to their endless hours and around the clock service provided to their communities. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, the day also pays tribute to the fallen first responders. According to the CDC, 97 firefighters and 155 police officers die each year in the line of duty. Additionally, their rate of occupational injury is higher than the national average. Often, the very people saving lives are our neighbors, friends and family members. And their families know the price they pay for their dedication to the job. And even though they are an integral part of our communities, their sacrifices go beyond the hours they work. They face high stress, often daily. The trauma they see wears on them both mentally and physically. Many experience Post Traumatic Stress. Long periods away from family add stress to their relationships, too. National First Responders Day is also a call for action. First responders deserve our support. Through resources and awareness, first responders can live healthier more productive lives and pass their knowledge and skills on to the next generation of first responders, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFirstRespondersDay The day provides you with an opportunity to recognize a first responder in your life. You might be surprised at how many you know. If their service is voluntary, you may only know about their day job. Offer to treat them to their favorite beverage or buy their next meal. Be supportive of their family, too. More importantly, support programs that improve services to first responders. Connect with a first responder who came to your rescue and thank them. Let them know you appreciate their dedication and sacrifice. Another way to honor first responders is by signing the petition urging Congress to declare a national day in their honor. Share your appreciation on social media using #NationalFirstRespondersDay. NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY HISTORY In 2019, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating October 28th as National First Responders Day to honor the men and women putting their lives on the line. Additionally, many states have proclaimed October 28th as National First Responders Day and others recognize the observance on different dates throughout the year. The All Clear Foundation supports a joint resolution from both houses of Congress proclaiming an annual observance. The organization urges you to sign the petition for a national declaration of the day. NATIONAL INTERNAL MEDICINE DAY NATIONAL INTERNAL MEDICINE DAY October 28, 2025 NATIONAL INTERNAL MEDICINE DAY \| October 28 National Internal Medicine Day recognizes the impact of approximately 300,000 Internal Medicine Physicians on October 28. #NationalInternalMedicineDay Internal Medicine Physicians, also known as internists, are the cornerstone of comprehensive health care. They are experts in complexity who see every connection in the adult human body. They serve, and lead, in a variety of settings. Their expertise is vital to patients, medical professionals, and health care. What do Internal Medicine Physicians do? Internal Medicine Physicians specialize in adult medicine. They are specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions. They see the big picture, and their deep training and knowledge give them a unique perspective of how everything works in unison. They provide comprehensive, longitudinal patient care and have life-long relationships with adult patients. Often, other medical professionals call upon Internal Medicine Physicians for their ability to connect the dots, help solve problems, and identify solutions. Some Internal Medicine Physicians also pursue additional training to subspecialize in a specific area of internal medicine. This specialized training includes: Cardiology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Rheumatology Infectious disease Internal Medicine Physicians serve and lead in a variety of settings, such as private practices, clinics, hospitals, and health systems. Conducting research, teaching in medical schools and residency programs are a few areas internists offer their expertise. They also hold leadership positions in business, technology, and government settings. Significant Contributions As the foundation of clinical care, Internal Medicine Physicians have made significant contributions to the health care industry, both in public and private sectors. Some notable contributions include: Noble prize winners for groundbreaking research in dialysis, genetics and cardiac factors, and peptic ulcer disease. Groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research. Development of innovations in treating chronic illness. Leaders in infectious disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. INTERNAL MEDICINE CELEBRATION Visit the American College of Physicians (ACP) website to learn more about internal medicine and Internal Medicine Physicians. Explore printable and shareable social media content on ACP’s National Internal Medicine Day webpage. Celebrate and share why you are proud to be an Internal Medicine Physician. Tell the world why you are vital to patients, medical professionals, and the health care system. Share and comment on social media about the impact you are making and use #NationalInternalMedicineDay, #IMProud and #IMPhysician while posting. HISTORY OF NATIONAL INTERNAL MEDICINE DAY NIMD Logo National Internal Medicine Day was established in 2019 by the National Day Calendar and the American College of Physicians (ACP) to recognize the contributions of internal medicine physicians who are united by a commitment to excellence around the globe. Representing approximately 160,000 Internal Medicine Physicians, the ACP consists of internal medicine specialists, subspecialists, and medical students. In fact, the organization is the largest medical-specialty society in the world, and its mission is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine. About American College of Physicians Founded in 1915, the ACP promotes the science and practice of medicine. Since its founding, the ACP supports Internal Medicine Physicians in their quest for excellence and shares the most updated medical knowledge. In addition, it also offers top-notch educational resources, practice resources, and demonstrates their commitment to internal medicine and those who practice it. The physicians of ACP lead the profession in education. Through a standard-setting, they share knowledge to advance the science and practice of internal medicine. • • •	29 NATIONAL CAT DAY NATIONAL CAT DAY October 29, 2025 NATIONAL CAT DAY National Cat Day on October 29th is the purrfect day to give extra attention to your feline friends. Cats make excellent companions. They rarely miss you, but when they do, you sure know it. Awareness days such as this one urge pet lovers to adopt from a local shelter. The day also reminds us that neutering and spaying our furry companions helps reduce the abandoned population. Shelters are full of cats and kittens in need of forever homes. These feline fur babies come with as many personalities as they do colors and coats. They curl into our hearts and will just as quickly remind us they decide who they love. Whether they were born in the shelter, surrendered or abandoned, 3.4 million find their way to a shelter. When considering the adoption of a furbaby, take your time. Each shelter animal will touch your heart, so be sure to find a life-long love. Consider your lifestyle. Will you have time for an active kitten or will an adult cat be more to your pace? Make multiple visits before making a choice. Sometimes, the purrfect cat will choose you. Spend one-on-one time with the cat so you have some bonding meowments and her true personality comes through. Do other members of your fur family need to be considered? If so, be sure to introduce them to be sure their personalities mesh. When you bring your new family member home, have a space ready for him to decompress and adjust to his new abode. Don’t be surprised if he hides at first. This is normal cat behavior. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCatDay Pay particular attention to your cat today. Adopt a new cat. Use #NationalCatDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CAT DAY HISTORY This day was created by Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige, in 2005. Since its inception, it has helped save the lives of more than one million cats. NATIONAL HERMIT DAY NATIONAL HERMIT DAY October 29, 2025 NATIONAL HERMIT DAY National Hermit Day on October 29th recognizes the hermit in all of us. A hermit is a person who lives, to some degree, in seclusion from society. No matter how social a person is, everyone needs to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hermits know how to avoid the public. They have mastered the ability to live independently without social interaction. Some of today’s modern conveniences may even make it more probable to become hermit-like. The word hermit comes from the Latin ĕrēmīta, meaning “of the desert”. However, this is only one day. Not a lifestyle change. It’s simply a retreat into your own quiet someplace, isolated from the rest of the world. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHermitDay This single-day celebration suggests that we disengage from the world for the day. Turn off the phone. Putter around the house. Enjoy your secluded little neck of the world. Be hermit-like for the day. Just for the day. Come back to the rest of the world refreshed and invigorated. Oh, before you do slip off into the hermit world, use #NationalHermitDay to post on social media. NATIONAL HERMIT DAY HISTORY October 29th is the day St.Colman died in Ireland in 632 A.D. He had a seven-year hermitage in the Burren Forest in a cave. It is believed that National Hermit Day honors the date of his death. NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY October 29, 2025 NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY Hearts get healthy on National Oatmeal Day! Not only is oatmeal one of America’s favorite breakfast foods, but we also celebrate it annually on October 29th. It’s a perfect day to enjoy one of America’s favorite breakfast foods. A warm bowl of oatmeal starts a day off right. Add spices, fruit, nuts, or nut butters to add flavor. It’s also a versatile ingredient. Add oatmeal to baked goods to create a delicious crumble. We use it to make granola, cookies, and bars. Sometimes, recipes for soups call for oatmeal, adding thicker texture and nutty flavor. Steel-cut oats are coarsely cut oats. They’re the nuttiest and most flavorful oats available. Oatmeal also comes in different forms. Rolled oats are a whole grain oat that’s rolled into oat flakes. They may take longer to cook, but the nutty flavor adds to the enjoyment. Another kind is instant or quick oats. These oats cook more quickly because they’ve either been pre-cooked or cut thinner. They lose some of the nuttiness found in rolled oats, but they offer similar health benefits. Oatmeal offers many health benefits. A bowl of oatmeal daily can lower cholesterol. It may reduce the risk of heart disease. It may reduce your risk of cancer. (According to the American Cancer Society, eating a diet high in fiber may help reduce your risk for cancer.) The grain is low in fat. Oatmeal is low in calories. Add oatmeal to your diet as a good source of iron and fiber. Some favorite oatmeal toppings include brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, peaches, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, nuts, and granola. Oatmeal has a long tradition in the state of Vermont, which originated within the Scottish settlement. Although there were many variations, most oatmeal recipes began with steel-cut oats. They soaked the oats overnight in cold water, salt, and maple syrup. Early the next morning, the cook would add ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and, occasionally, ground ginger. The pot was then placed over heat and cooked for approximately 90 minutes. The oatmeal was served steaming hot with cream, milk, or butter. Vermont leads the United States in per capita consumption of cooked oatmeal cereal. The Quaker Man is one of the oldest advertising mascots in America. The Quaker Oats company registered him as the first trademark for a breakfast cereal in 1877. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalOatmealDay Have a bowl of oatmeal. Share your favorite recipes using oatmeal. What are your favorite toppings and mix-ins? No matter how you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalOatmealDay to post on social media. NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this food staple holiday. WORLD STROKE DAY WORLD STROKE DAY October 29, 2025 WORLD STROKE DAY World Stroke Day, on October 29th, seeks to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of strokes. According to previous statistics, one in six people were expected to have a stroke during their lifetime. Fifteen million people around the world have strokes each year. It’s also the leading cause of disability. A stroke may cause paralysis, sensory disturbances, aphasia, and emotional disturbances. Over 6 million people die as a result of a stroke. Throughout the world, stroke is the second leading cause of death. Additionally, current statistics suggest that the number of people expected to have a stroke has increased. Now, one in four people is likely to have a stroke. Early Warning Signs Knowing the early warning signs of stroke saves lives. Early symptoms of a stroke usually happen suddenly. These symptoms include: Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body Confusion or trouble talking Trouble seeing Dizziness or trouble walking Severe headache If you or a loved one is having any of these symptoms, it’s important to act F.A.S.T. F = Facial Weakness A = Arm Weakness S = Speech difficulty T = Time loss is brain loss. Call 911 when these symptoms are present. Don’t wait! Early warning signs of a stroke may disappear after a few minutes. However, the symptoms may still indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Even if symptoms disappear, it’s important to receive medical attention right away. It’s important to know the symptoms of a stroke. Furthermore, it’s also important to know that strokes can be prevented. In fact, up to 90% of all strokes can be prevented by addressing certain risk factors. These risk factors include hypertension, diet, smoking, and exercise. Through an emphasis on prevention, the World Stroke Association hopes to cut the number of strokes in half by 2030. HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldStrokeDay Here are some ways to observe this day: Know your risk of having a stroke Attend an informational discussion on strokes at a local medical facility Take action to prevent a stroke by quitting smoking, changing your diet, and reducing hypertension Learn the early signs of stroke and how you should respond If you have experienced a stroke, share your survivor story with others Visit www.strokeassociation.org for more resources and use #WorldStrokeDay to share on social media. WORLD STROKE DAY HISTORY In the 1990s, the European Stroke Initiative had the idea to create a global awareness day for the strokes. Due to financial restrictions, the awareness day was limited to Europe only. The country celebrates its awareness day on May 10th. In 2004, a World Stroke Day was established at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver. In 2006, Canadian clinical neuroscientist, Dr. Vladimir Hachinkski helped to incorporate a World Stroke Proclamation. During that time, the International Stroke Society merged with the World Stroke Federation. The result of this merger was the World Stroke Organization (WSO). Under the management of the WSO, the first official World Stroke Day was held on October 29th, 2006. • • • •	30 NATIONAL CANDY CORN DAY NATIONAL CANDY CORN DAY October 30, 2025 NATIONAL CANDY CORN DAY On October 30th, the country celebrates its favorite vegetable with National Candy Corn Day. In the late 1800s, George Renninger of Wunderle Candy Company created candy corn. His sweet treat represented the bright colors of corn kernels. Originally, candy corn was yellow, orange and white. However, it wasn’t until1889 that the Goelitz Candy Company made the candy popular. Later, other candy makers developed a variety of popular colors and flavors as well. The original confection was made by hand using corn syrup, sugar, water, marshmallows, fondant, and carnauba wax (a wax made from the leaves of a palm tree). However, modern candy makers combine the original ingredients using machines. These days, numerous recipes create the candy corn flavors in cakes, cookies, beverages, and more. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCandyCornDay Candy corn inspires desserts, too. Add the candy to popcorn for a spooktacular treat. Another delicious way to celebrate the day would be to layer gelatin, pudding, or cakes with white, yellow, and orange colors and flavors. Salty and sweet always pair well together, too. Add pretzels, candy corn, and nuts to a snack mix. Try this terrific candy corn cookie recipe. Whether you want to go whip up a batch or go and purchase a bag, go and enjoy the day by sharing some with friends and family. Use #NationalCandyCornDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CANDY CORN DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this sweet candy holiday. NATIONAL PUBLICIST DAY NATIONAL PUBLICIST DAY October 30, 2025 NATIONAL PUBLICIST DAY National Publicist Day recognizes publicists around the country on October 30th and the PR they provide each day. On October 30, 1906, the New York Times printed verbatim the very first press release written by Ivy Lee, the “father of modern PR.” Ivy Lee represented the Pennsylvania Railroad. On October 28th, 1906, 50 people lost their lives. A three-car train jumped a trestle in New Jersey and plunged into a thoroughfare creek. In response, Ivy Lee created the first press release. He not only convinced the railroad to distribute a public statement, but he also convinced them to provide a special train to get reporters to the scene of the accident. Impressed by Lee’s innovative approach to corporate communications, the New York Times printed the first press release—verbatim—on Oct. 30, 1906, as a “Statement from the Road.” (information obtained from SearchEngineWatch.com) Public relations is such a love/hate relationship. (You love to hate it and hate to love it.) This industry isn’t an instant gratification one. And on some days a non-gratification. National Publicist Day is a day for publicists to come from behind the scenes. They always work (even behind their eyelids). It’s an opportunity to appreciate publicists for all they do to improve brand communications with the public. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPublicistDay Call, email, or shout out to your publicist on social media. Let them know you appreciate them. Don’t have a publicist? Well, today’s the perfect day to research and contact one that suits your brand. Show your appreciation for what they could contribute to your brand. Use #NationalPublicistDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PUBLICIST DAY HISTORY Jordanna Stephen, the owner of APARTMENT\|SEVEN, a PR firm in New York, founded National Publicist Day and its meaning in 2015. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on October 30th, annually. NATIONAL WICKED DAY NATIONAL WICKED DAY October 30, 2025 NATIONAL WICKED DAY National WICKED Day on October 30 honors one of Broadway's longest running musicals known as WICKED. Millions of theatre fans from around the world are celebrating today as the day the musical WICKED premiered on Broadway. #NationalWICKEDDay The musical WICKED made its debut at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway on October 30, 2003. Since opening, WICKED has been performed nearly 8,000 times and seen by over 50 million people. In fact, it has also been translated into six different languages and is the 4th longest running musical on Broadway. Today, we celebrate the legacy of WICKED being one of the most successful musicals on Broadway. WICKED BEGINNINGS Every great Broadway production begins with a great writer and WICKED is no exception. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West was written in 1995 by Gregory Maguire. It is the first of four books in The Wicked Years series written by Maguire. The story is based on L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and follows the life of the Wicked Witch of the West. The storyline in the Wicked series focuses on the unlikely friendship that forms between Elphaba and Galinda until the world decides to call one “good” and the other “wicked.” The Wicked Years Series Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (published 1995) Son of a Witch (published 2005) A Lion Among Men (published 2008) Out of Oz (published 2011) In 2003, WICKED was adapted into a Broadway musical. Since then, it has won over 100 international awards, including three Tony Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Notable WICKED alumni include Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Joel Grey, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, Annaleigh Ashford, Taye Diggs, and more. Every night when the curtains rise, the cast of WICKED delivers a jaw dropping performance. In one single night, the cast will wear 269 costumes and change 238 different times before the last scene. FAST FACTS ABOUT WICKED To pay homage to L. Frank Baum, Maguire formulated the name "Elphaba" from the pronunciation of his initials — "L.F.B." After the opening number, the ensemble members make a 30-second quick-change into their Shiz University costumes, all while singing and watching the backstage conductor monitors. WICKED is seen by more people each week than any other show, making it Broadway’s most popular musical, partially due to the fact that the Gershwin Theatre is the biggest theatre on Broadway. The theatre is a full city block with 1,926 seats! It takes over 125 company members to run the WICKED backstage. In fact, the show requires 50-75 front of house staff and dozens more at off-site offices. Elphaba's look is one of the most well-known on Broadway. Her elaborate costumes include an Act II dress made up of 37 different fabrics and 600-feet of ribbon that weighs 8-10 pounds. As for her famous green skin, it only takes 15-20 minutes to "greenify" Elphaba using water-activated makeup, grease paint sticks, and a waterproof setting powder. Alternatively, it only takes roughly 10 minutes to remove. To create the iconic onstage fog, WICKED uses 500 pounds of dry ice per performance and goes through 16 barrels of dry ice per week. 6 WAYS TO HAVE A WICKED CELEBRATION How do you celebrate National WICKED Day? Check out 5 ideas on how to get in the spirit below. Read The Wicked Years series by Gregory Maguire. Purchase, stream, and sing along to the Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording. Learn about the history of WICKED and how it became a world phenomenon. Go Behind the Emerald Curtain with a behind-the-scenes look that explores the inner workings of bringing WICKED to life 8 times a week. Attend the WICKED musical anniversary weekend performances October 29 and 30 to participate in giveaways, special performances, and celebrity appearances. Share your WICKED memories and photos on social media and tag #NationaWICKEDDay. NATIONAL WICKED DAY BEGINNINGS In 2023, National Day Calendar began working with representatives from WICKED the Musical to create National WICKED Day. Each year on October 30, we celebrate the popular Broadway blockbuster that has entertained millions of people since 2003. WICKED has become a global brand and is growing from an in-person event to a social media phenomenon. In fact, fans, Broadway legends, and Hollywood stars have been wishing their followers a Happy National WICKED Day for years. 2018: WICKED 15 airs on NBC. The live broadcast of a WICKED concert featured original cast members Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. It also included life-long WICKED fans and celebrities like Ariana Grande. 2023: WICKED 20 is happening in October 2023 in celebration of 20 years of the Broadway musical. 2024 and 2025: WICKED the Musical will become a major motion picture on the big screen. This two-part movie phenomenon will star Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. SPEAK UP FOR SERVICE DAY SPEAK UP FOR SERVICE DAY October 30, 2025 SPEAK UP FOR SERVICE DAY Speak Up For Service Day on October 30th recognizes the importance of young people to be actively involved in community service. Too often, the good deeds of young people go unnoticed by their communities. Speak Up For Service Day gives recognition to the overlooked. It serves as a reminder to tell others about the contributions of young people to their communities. Each year, the Speak Up For Service public speaking contest is held in conjunction with the North Dakota State Lions Convention. Other Lions Clubs and Districts throughout North America sponsor similar public speaking contests. Young people share their insight on issues of the day. Additionally, they speak about the contributions of Lions to making the world a better place. HOW TO OBSERVE #SpeakUpForServiceDay Speak up about service initiatives in your community. Recognize the youth in your community for the projects they support and initiate. When we give credit to their hard work, our communities thrive. Many organizations also create opportunities for youth to get involved. As the young people in your life become involved, you will see their confidence grow. Their positive impact on their community will leave a lasting impression, too. As you celebrate, be sure to invite others to join you! Use #SpeakUpForServiceDay to post on social media. NATIONAL SPEAK UP FOR SERVICE DAY HISTORY The Mandan Lions Club founded National Speak Up For Service Day in 2014. The Speak Up For Service Project’s history began in 2003. The Fargo, ND, Lions Club initiated a public speaking contest for area high school students in honor of Laura Christensen Espejo. Laura devoted her life to improving the health care services available to the less fortunate in the Fargo community and Peru, the country of her husband, Lucho. Lion Robert Littlefield coordinated the contest on the local level. Soon, he was launching it as a statewide initiative while serving as District Governor in 2010-2011. In 2010, the Lions Club held its first annual Lions Speak Up For Service public speaking contest. Contestants spoke at the North Dakota State Lions Convention in Grand Forks. High school students who entered the competition spoke on topics related to young people and community service. Brent Johnson, a senior at Shanley High School, won the first-ever Speak Up For Service Contest. Johnson and the other contestants received scholarships for their participation in the event. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the observance to be celebrated on October 30th, annually. • • • •	31 GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER’S DAY GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER’S DAY October 31, 2025 GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER’S DAY On October 31st, Girl Scout Founder’s Day recognizes the founders and all the great things Scouting has done for girls since its inception. It commemorates the birth of the founder, Juliet Gordon Low. The day is special for all girls. It is a time to think about who we would like to be, let our imaginations run wild and turn those dreams into a reality. We can genuinely transform ourselves into something different—something more significant, bolder, and more daring than we ever thought possible. Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on March 12, 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting. At the first troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, there were 18 girls present. For these girls, Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures. Since the time of the first meeting, Girl Scouts has grown to over 3.7 million members. The organization’s original name was the Girl Guides of America By 1920 there were close to 70,000 members By 1930 there were over 200,000 members In 2005 there were over 3.7 million members Motto – “Be Prepared” Slogan – “Do a Good Turn Daily” “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.” HOW TO OBSERVE #GirlScoutFoundersDay Share your Girl Scouting memories and use #GirlScoutFoundersDay to post on social media. GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER’S DAY HISTORY Juliette Gordon Low, also known as Daisy, who was born on October 31, 1860, was the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, along with the help of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement. In 1912, Low formed a Girl Guide troop in Savannah, Georgia, and in 1915, the Girl Guides became the Girl Scouts with Low becoming the first president. She remained active with the Girl Scouts until the time of her death in 1927. Low’s birthday, October 31, is celebrated by the Girl Scouts as “Founder’s Day.” HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN October 31, 2025 HALLOWEEN On October 31, Halloween brings out the ghouls and goblins, creatures, and strange folk. They come creeping about the neighborhood seeking favors over trickery. People of all ages look forward to Halloween traditions. While dressing up and baking, we carve up glowing pumpkins. Children breathe life into storybook characters while practicing their trick or treat. In twos and threes, they traipse through the neighborhood, collecting their bounty in pillow sacks. A ghost, a pirate, a robot or Dorothy, and Toto. No matter their age, they come to the door. They knock or ring. Here and there, a screech or a boo! The crisp air and autumn colors set the mood. Seasonings fill our senses with a taste of autumn. So we set forth on an adventure and finish with a warm apple cider around a flickering fire. HOW TO OBSERVE #Halloween Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related “guising”). While many attend costume parties, bob for apples, and light bonfires, others look forward to counting trick or treaters. Many people decorate with sprays of fall leaves, scarecrows, and pumpkins carved into jack-o-lanterns. Attractions include visiting a haunted house, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films. However, trick or treating has also changed. In the United States, some organizations offer trick-or-treat events for children to come dressed up and collect candy in a safe environment. They may also offer Halloween parties for children to attend, too. In many parts of the world, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows’ Eve, including attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead, remains popular. Although, in other locations, these solemn customs are less pronounced in favor of a more commercialized and secularized celebration. Because many Western Christian denominations encourage, although no longer required, abstinence from meat on All Hallows’ Eve, the tradition of eating certain vegetarian foods for this vigil day developed, including the consumption of apples, colcannon, cider, potato pancakes, and soul cakes. For the safest Halloween trick or treating tips, be sure to check out the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Then, get your spook on and use #Halloween to post on social media. Oh, and folks, there are spooktacular deals to be found on October 31, too! Be sure to check out the Celebration Deals page to find all the goodies! HALLOWEEN HISTORY The observance dates back to an ancient pagan harvest festival marking the end of summer and the beckoning of winter. Seasons overlapped during Samhain (pronounced sah-win), and revelers believed the worlds of the living and the dead crossed. The living would wear costumes and light, bright bonfires to help protect them, allowing them to interact with the spirits. Similar celebrations honoring the dead took place in Roman traditions, which were gradually blended and soon replaced the Celtic ceremonies. However, All Martyrs Day, established by Pope Boniface IV in 609 A.D., was eventually moved by Pope Gregory III to November 1. Later, it became known as All Saint’s Day. The eve of this celebration became known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween. Through the Colonial era in America, Halloween celebrations were considered taboo due to religious beliefs. By the Victorian era, though, Haloween traditions featured fall festivals, parties, and foods involving communities and neighborhoods. NATIONAL BREADSTICK DAY NATIONAL BREADSTICK DAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL BREADSTICK DAY National Breadstick Day recognizes the delicious goodness of dunkable pieces of warm and tender enjoyment. Observe this celebration annually on the last Friday in October. Breadsticks come in many forms. They can be soft or crunchy. Breadsticks can be flavored with garlic, onion, salt or cheese. They can also be sweetened with cinnamon and sugar. When is National Homemade Bread Day? They often accompany Italian meals. Pair them with pasta covered in alfredo or marinara sauces. Add them to a soup course. If you prefer, enjoy them with your salad. The aroma of fresh-baked breadsticks warm a home and improve every meal. Some recipes call for cheese. A variety of cheese options can be used. Other recipes add a little bacon to the dough for an even richer flavor. When it comes to dipping sauces, breadsticks satisfy just about everyone at the table. Restaurants and home cooks offer up cheesy, herbed and spicy sauces for dipping. If you can’t decide, order extra and try them all! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBreadstickDay It’s a great time to make homemade breadsticks. We even have a recipe or two for you to try. Experiment with herbs and spices while you celebrate. Invite family and friends over for a hearty meal and show off your breadstick-making prowess. If you’re not ready to break out the yeast just yet, order up some breadsticks from your favorite restaurant. Who do you think makes the best breadsticks? Make sure you give them a shoutout and celebrate with all the best dipping sauces, too. Use #NationalBreadstickDay to post on social media. Homemade Breadsticks Parmesan Breadsticks Garlic Herb Breadsticks NATIONAL BREADSTICK DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching this delicious food holiday. NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY National Caramel Apple Day on October 31st celebrates a time-honored fall treat. Many of us remember eating caramel apples or making them with family. Whether it was at a fair, carnival, or Halloween party, it was a special treat. Sometimes we even made them at home. No matter where we enjoyed them, the memory is a good one. Caramel apples go by many names – taffy apples or even candy apples. They’re made by skewering apples on a stick and then dipping them in hot caramel. We make them extra delicious by rolling them in nuts, chocolate, or other candies. Sheet caramel allows for the high production of candy apples. The sheets of caramel are wrapped around the apples and then heated to melt the caramel evenly. The best caramel apples are made with tart crisp apples, such as Granny Smith or Fuji apples. Since apples come into season during the fall, Halloween is the ideal time of year to enjoy caramel apples. The caramel-apple flavor is also a fall favorite. It finds its way into beverages, cakes, and other desserts. Add caramel to just about any apple recipe for a bit of caramel apple flavor. It also complements savory dishes, such as pork. HOW TO OBSERVE #CaramelAppleDay Host a caramel apple-making day. Invite family and friends to make candy apples with you. Ask them to bring their favorite toppings. Celebrate with hot apple cider and sweet laughter. Try this delicious recipe or share your own. Experiment with the caramel apple taste in the kitchen. Share your creations by taking photos and posting on social media using #CaramelAppleDay. NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY HISTORY The National Confectioners Association sponsors National Caramel Apple Day. NATIONAL DOORBELL DAY NATIONAL DOORBELL DAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL DOORBELL DAY On October 31st, National Doorbell Day will have doorbells ringing more than any other day of the year. The day recognizes the little buzzer, unique tones, and rings that alert us to visitors to our doors every day of the year. More than 41 million American children dress up and trick-or-treat every Halloween. In honor of the workout the door chime will receive, the celebration recognizes J.Ralph Corbett, the inventor of the first NuTone brand melodious door chime. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDoorbellDay Engage visitors with a riddle or tongue twister to celebrate the day. Greet family members with a password or trivia question about the doorbell to gain entry. Enjoy the festivities and stay safe this Halloween! With every ring, chime, jingle and more, celebrate the day with each visitor. Technology brings a variety of ways to explore the doorbell, too. What unique chimes do you recall from movies or television history? Use #NationalDoorbellDay to share on social media. NATIONAL DOORBELL DAY HISTORY NuTone™ founded National Doorbell Day to celebrate the innovative development of the first melodious door chime invented by J.Ralph Corbett during the Great Depression. His invention replaced the buzzers and knockers that often alerted residents to visitors. Today, NuTone is proud to announce the launch of NuTone Knock™, the company’s revolutionary new video doorbell that allows homeowners to see and talk to visitors from anywhere in the world using their smartphones. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be observed annually beginning in 2017. Doorbell FAQ Q. How did the first doorbells work? A. Similar to the way the first school bells worked, a visitor pulled a cord to initiate the ring. However, the bell was located inside the home, instead of outside a school bell. When the visitor pulled the cord, it caused a hammer to strike the bell. Q. Who invented the first electric doorbell? A. Joseph Henry, Jr. (1797-1878) is credited with the invention of the electric doorbell. From 1846 to 1878, Henry served as the Smithsonian Institution’s first Secretary. He, among other inventors of his era, studied electromagnetism. NATIONAL FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY NATIONAL FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY National Frankenstein Friday, on the last Friday in October, recognizes author Mary Shelly, the novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, her characters, Dr. Frankenstein and the monster. Dating back to the 1800s, Frankenstein’s monster is one of the best-known horror characters of all time. The novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) tells the story of a young scientist, Victor Frankenstein. While she published the first edition of Frankenstein in 1818 anonymously, the first 500 copies sold out. However, the public believed her husband, Percy Shelley, to be the author. Then in 1823, Mary Shelley published a new edition under her name. Another edition in 1831 included Shelley’s explanation about how the story came to be. This version is the one modern readers are the most familiar with today. When is National Novel Writing Month? The film world has created more than 60 movies or shorts on the theme of Frankenstein. Edison Studios produced the very first film version, Frankenstein, in 1910. According to some sources, the day is observed on August 30th in honor of Mary Shelley’s birthday. HOW TO OBSERVE #FrankensteinFriday We have many ideas about how to celebrate this holiday. Give one or several of them a try. Watch a movie featuring Frankenstein or read the original book written by Mary Shelly. Dress as Dr. Frankenstein or his monster. Find out who Frankenstein is on Frankenstein Friday. Read both editions of the book. Seek out other novels by Mary Shelley or learn about her history. Draw your version of Frankenstein’s monster. Write a poem in honor of the day. Attend a stage production of Frankenstein. Bake cookies in the shape of the monster. Conduct an electricity experiment in science class in honor of the day. Host a Frankenstein party. Play trivia and hand out prizes. Share your ideas to celebrate. Use #FrankensteinFriday to post on social media. NATIONAL FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origin of this novel day. NATIONAL KNOCK KNOCK JOKE DAY NATIONAL KNOCK KNOCK JOKE DAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL KNOCK KNOCK JOKE DAY Laugh out loud on National Knock Knock Joke Day! October 31st encourages telling a few funny knock knock jokes while going door to door. And the day is for jokesters of all ages, too.–A little history of the Knock Knock Joke:–1929: The game of Buff – A child with a stick thumps it on the ground using the following dialogue: Knock Knock Who’s There: BuffWhat says, Buff: Buff says Buff to all his men, and I say Buff to you again.1934: The standard knock-knock joke format was used in a newspaper humor column:Knock Knock Q. Who’s there?A. Rufus Q. Rufus Who? A. Rufus the most important part of your house.– 1936: Likely the beginning of popularity for knock-knock jokes. Knock-knock jokes became a regular part of the Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in Show in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At a very young age, children often learn to tell knock-knock jokes as one of their first types of jokes. They also like making up knock-knock jokes to tell their family and friends. What’s your favorite knock-knock joke? HOW TO OBSERVE #KnockKnockJokeDay Take turns telling knock-knock jokes with your kids. Make up new ones or tell some old classics. Trade them back and forth and let the giggles ensue. Laughter is some of the best medicine you can share. Have a knock-knock joke-writing contest. Take videos and share them. Visit fatherly.com to find some funny ones for kids. We even have a guide to help you tell jokes, 5 Types of Funny Jokes to Tell Your Kids. Tell your best knock-knock jokes and use #KnockKnockJokeDay to post on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for projects, puzzles, and more designed to Celebrate Every Day® with your students! NATIONAL KNOCK KNOCK JOKE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origin of this fun day. NATIONAL MAGIC DAY NATIONAL MAGIC DAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL MAGIC DAY National Magic Day each year on October 31st recognizes the thrill of seeing the performance art. It takes place during National Magic Week. Magic is a performance art entertaining audiences through the creation of illusions. The methods of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats use natural means. The person performing such entertainment is called a magician or an illusionist. Humans have likely created magical displays throughout history. One of the most renowned magicians was Harry Houdini. Known for his escapology, Houdini had developed a range of stage magic tricks and made full use of the variety of conjuring techniques, including fake equipment and collusion with individuals in the audience. His show business savvy was as exceptional as his showmanship. The Houdini Museum is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Escapology is the practice of escaping from restraints or other traps. Some Magic Categories: Stage illusions –a kind of large-scale performance on a stage. Parlor magic – a performance before a medium-scale audience such as an auditorium. Micromagic – performed close up using coins, cards, and other small items. It’s also known as close-up or table magic. This type of performance occurs in an intimate setting. Escapology – In this type of performance, the artist escapes from a dangerous situation such as being submerged underwater while handcuffed or dangling from a burning rope. Pickpocket magic – A distraction type of performance, the artist, makes watches, jewelry, wallets, and more disappear through misdirection. The audience witnesses the entire event. Mentalism – This type of performance stuns the audience with the artist’s powers of intuition, memory, memory, deduction, and other feats of the mind. Many magicians take their talents and combine them. Whether they take to show to the streets or entertain children, they hone their skills in a variety of ways. Others travel with fairs or demonstrate their skills with corporate or trade shows. Also, audiences enjoy comedy and magic together. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMagicDay Attend a magic show or teach yourself a magic trick or watch other magicians perform. Read a book about Harry Houdini or another magician. Visit a magic museum. You can also: Host a magic party. Play magical games. Share your favorite magic trick. Dress up as a magician. Use #NationalMagicDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MAGIC DAY HISTORY The Society of American Magicians sponsors National Magic Day. In 1938, a Chicago member of the Society of American Magicians sought official permission for a Houdini Day. Mrs. Houdini sanctioned the observance, and October 31st was proclaimed National Magic Day in Harry Houdini’s memory. Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) NATIONAL PHARMACY BUYER DAY NATIONAL PHARMACY BUYER DAY October 31, 2025 NATIONAL PHARMACY BUYER DAY National Pharmacy Buyer Day recognizes the professionals who help keep the pharmacy shelves stocked. The observance takes place each year on the Friday of the last full week in October. While a doctor prescribes a medication and a pharmacist dispenses it, a pharmacy buyer makes sure a sufficient and current supply is available. When is National Pharmacy Technician Day? Pharmacy buyers are the men and women who manage the changing inventory of pharmacies across the country. They keep the shelves stocked with the necessary medications, supplies and small durable medical equipment. Pharmacies rely on them to be able to dispense their orders on a daily basis. Pharmacy buyers shop wholesale markets and are in charge of managing inventory as well as costs for hospital pharmacies and large clinics. It’s a complex role requiring knowledge of the healthcare system as well as the ability to balance supplies efficiently. A pharmacy buyer is a key component to a safe supply of necessary medications in local and hospital pharmacies. HOW TO OBSERVE #PharmacyBuyerDay Throughout the day, pharmacies and hospitals will recognize their pharmacy buyers. If you’re interested in a career as a pharmacy buyer, attend a career fair and learn more about the career path and training. Discover more about the job demands, opportunities and prospects. Use #PharmacyBuyerDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PHARMACY BUYER DAY HISTORY Beth Meese, a former Pharmacy Purchasing Agent for Provena United Samaritan Medical Center in Danville, IL, promotes the recognition of National Pharmacy Buyer Day. The idea for the day came to her in 2005. REFORMATION DAY REFORMATION DAY October 31, 2025 REFORMATION DAY On October 31st, Reformation Day celebrates one of the most monumental events in Christianity. It was on this date in 1517 that the Protestant Reformation began. Up until 1517, the beliefs of the Catholic Church dominated Christianity throughout the world. That is until an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther began studying the Bible for himself. He was then brave enough to nail his “95 Theses” to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Part of Luther’s theses condemned the Roman Catholic Church for many of its unbiblical practices. One such practice involved asking for payment in order to forgive sins. These payments were called indulgences. Central Beliefs Luther’s 95 Theses also contained two central beliefs: 1. The Bible is the central religious authority. 2. Humans may reach salvation only by their faith and not by their works. The Roman Catholic Church warned Luther to keep quiet about his opinions and beliefs. When he didn’t, he was excommunicated from the Church. Luther was later branded an outlaw and heretic. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V of Germany even gave permission to have Luther killed. While on the run, Luther spent the next 10 years working on a German translation of the Bible. It wasn’t until 12 years after Luther posted his 95 Theses that the term “Protestant” was first used. The term came to describe anyone who opposed the Catholic Church. Eventually, anyone who believed the Church should be reformed were called Protestants. This included those living outside of Germany. Luther died in 1546, but his revolutionary beliefs lived on to form the foundation for the Protestant Reformation. Today, Protestants make up several different denominations. These include Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, and Wesleyan. Of the 2.5 billion Christians throughout the world, up to 1 billion of them are Protestant. The countries with the most Protestants include South Africa, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and the United States. HOW TO OBSERVE #ReformationDay Protestant churches throughout the world hold special services on this day. Some people watch movies or learn about other important men that influenced the Protestant Reformation. Along with Martin Luther, these men include John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, and John Hus. Instead of celebrating Halloween, some churches and families have Reformation Day parties. To participate: Attend a worship service at a Protestant Church. Learn more about how the Protestant Reformation forever changed Christianity throughout the world. Watch the documentary, Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World. Share this day on social media with #ReformationDay. REFORMATION DAY HISTORY Protestants have been celebrating Reformation Day for hundreds of years. It always falls on October 31st, which is when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses onto the door of a Catholic Church in 1517. • • • • • • • • • •

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