National Pinot Noir Day on August 18th encourages wine lovers to experience one of the wine world’s most versatile wines.
#NationalPinotNoirDay
Since Pinot Noir’s high acidity along with the lower tannins, it complements food nicely. Wineries around the world produce pinot noir using red wine grapes and primarily the Pinot Noir varietal.
The dry wine includes hints of cherry and raspberry, as well as earthy flavors and notes of floral. It’s one of the world’s favorite red wines, too. One Pinot Noir grown and produced in Burgundy, France bears the name of the region. France also produces more Pinot Noir than any other country. However, today the grape is grown all over the world. The soil, climate, and how it is processed all impact the flavors.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PINOT NOIR DAY
The easiest way to celebrate the day is by having a glass of Pinot Noir. However, don’t stop there. There are other ways to get the fullest enjoyment of this wine.
While sipping your wine, read up about it. May we suggest North American Pinot Noir by John Winthrop Haeger, Passion for Pinot: A Journey Through America’s Pinot Noir Country by Lorraine Evanoff or The Heartbreak Grape: A Journey in Search of the Perfect Pinot Noir by Marq de Villiers?
Another way to savor your Pinot Noir is while watching a documentary about how it’s made. The Holy Grail of Wine follows the passion of vintner John Saemann.
Curl up with your ruby red glass and enjoy the flavors with a charcuterie board while watching the film Sideways starring Paul Giamatti.
Attend a wine tasting and sample a variety of wines.
Serve a meal of salmon, pasta or game. If root vegetables and mushrooms are your pleasure, Pinot Noir will enhance your enjoyment.
Share your favorite pairs and bottle of Pinot Noir by using #NationalPinotNoirDay on social media.
NATIONAL PINOT NOIR DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this flavorful holiday.
Pinot Noir FAQ
Q. Should I decant pinot noir? A. No. You can serve pinot noir from the bottle but chill it slightly.
Q. What kind of glass should I use to serve pinot noir? A. Serve pinot noir in a red wine glass with a large bowl shape.
Q. How long does an open bottle of pinot noir last? A. Isn’t an open bottle and empty bottle? If you must re-cork your bottle of pinot noir, it will retain its flavor for 2-3 days.
On August 18th, National Fajita Day recognizes the sizzling deliciousness of the savory Tex-Mex flavor found in fajitas.
#NationalFajitaDay
In the early 1930s, Mexican vaqueros in Southwest Texas developed what we’ve grown to love all over the United States. Using throwaway cuts of beef, they developed the fajita. However, it wasn’t long before they became a staple in the region. These cowboys cooked the steak over an open fire or grill. Once cooked, they served it with flour or corn tortillas. In later years, fresh Pico de gallo, guacamole, and southwestern spices elevated the fajita. Soon the convenient meal for hardworking cowboys made an introduction to new audiences. The fajita became a destination food in the culinary world.
As their popularity grew, fajitas added a colorful flair to Tex-Mex menus. Sizzling platters full of bright peppers, onions, and a mouthwatering aroma delighted patrons. Menu choices beyond tender steak also broadened the fajita spectrum. Sweet shrimp, lean chicken, or pork with freshly made tortillas arrived at tables with fanfare. By the 1980s, most Mexican restaurants in the United States served fajitas. In the modern culinary kitchen, lime, cilantro and a plethora of vegetables find their way into a fajita, too. Add to that the perfect seasonings and mouths really begin to water!
Another flavor boost comes from grilling with mesquite. It adds a smoky flavor and bacon adds crunch. Of course, who could forget the cheese? With their festive presentations, fajitas continue to be enjoyed today. The fajita has come a long way from skirt steak trimmings!
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FAJITA DAY
While you’re celebrating the day, invite a friend to join you for these flavorful entrees! Whether you prefer shrimp, steak or chicken, there’s a fajita for you. Pick your favorite from all the amazing flavors, and don’t forget to use #NationalFajitaDay to share on social media.
Are you looking for a deal to help you celebrate? Well, look no further! Our Celebration Deals page is constantly updated with the latest offers. Do you have a special to celebrate the day? Let us know using our Contact Us link. We’ll get them added!
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the celebration in July of 2016 to be observed on August 18th annually.
Media Contact Jessica Chacoff 08/15/2016 888.869.7899 Jessica@inklinkmarketing.com
About On The Border
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand. They offer an extensive menu of great-tasting, classic, and contemporary Mexican food. When you visit, enjoy sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, and Margaritas as big and bold as the border itself. On The Border is owned by Border Holdings, LLC, with more than 150 restaurants in 34 states, Puerto Rico, Asia, and the Middle East. Follow and like On The Border on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderMexicanGrillandCantina and @ontheborder on Twitter. For more information, visit www.ontheborder.com.
August 18th Celebrated History
1868
While observing a solar eclipse, French astronomer, Pierre Janssen, discovers helium. On the periodic table, the new element received the symbol He.
1872
Aaron Montgomery Ward produces a mail-order catalog that would launch a growing era of mail-order publications that would last more than 100 years.
1920
With ratification from Tennesse, the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote became law.
1926
The first weather map transmitted by telecast is broadcast for the use of sailing vessels. Invented by Charles Francis Jenkins, the invention provided up-to-date weather details to ship captains.
1949
Henry Bosenberg receives the first horticulture patent for a rose plant. His climbing or trailing rose still grows today, though, the patent has long expired.
1954
Replacing an absent Labor Secretary, Assistant Secretary of Labor, James P. Mitchell became the first black person to attend a Cabinet meeting. The event took place under President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration.
1958
Publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons publishes the first American edition of Lolita, a controversial novel by Vladimir Nabokov.
1960
The birth control pill known as Enovid goes on sale. The FDA approved the progesterone based contraceptive earlier that same year.
1962
Just days after The Beatles release drummer Pete Best, they replace him with Ringo Starr.
1982
In a game that was scoreless through the 19th inning, the Dodgers beat the Cubs after 21 innings in the longest game in Wrigley Field history.
2004
In an Olympic sweep, Americans take gold, silver, and bronze in the 400-meter hurdles at the Beijing.
2017
A research team led by Paul Allen discovers the USS Indianapolis 18,000 feet below the Pacific Ocean’s surface. Seventy-two years before, a Japanese submarine sunk the Naval cruiser toward the end of World War II.
August 18th Celebrated Birthdays
Virginia Dare – 1587
Just days after landing at Roanoke Island, Virginia, Eleanor Dare gives birth to the first English child born in the Americas. She and her husband, Ananias, name the baby girl Virginia.
Meriwether Lewis – 1774
The explorer became known for his Corps of Discovery Expedition which traced the lands west of the Mississippi after the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase. Along with William Clark and their crew, the explore would reach the Pacific Ocean by way of Missouri, Yellowstone, and Columbia Rivers
Marshall Field – 1834
The American entrepreneur founded Marshall Field and Company. The department store would later become a chain known as Marshall Field’s.
Carl Rungius – 1869
The German-born artist is best known for his North American wildlife paintings.
Lucy Ozarin – 1914
A psychiatrist, Lucy Ozarin resigned her position at Gowanda State Hospital to enlist in the U.S. Navy. She became one of the first psychiatrists in the Navy.
Shelley Winters – 1920
The Academy Award-winning actress appeared in over 160 films and television shows. Some of her most noted roles included Charlotte Haze in Lolita and Mrs. Petronella Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank.
Rosalynn Smith Carter – 1927
As the 41st First Lady of the United States, Carter continued her role as an advocate for numerous causes including art and mental health.
Roman Polanski – 1933
The director, writer and actor is known for the films Rosemary’s Baby, The Pianist, and Frantic.
Roberto Clemente – 1934
The baseball Hall of Famer was known for his speed and powerful right arm. Clemente played 17 years for the Pittsburgh Pirates until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1972.
Robert Redford – 1936
Actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford starred in numerous films including The Way We Were, Out of Africa, A River Runs Through It, and The Discovery.
Patrick Swayze – 1952
The dancer, actor and singer gained popularity during the 1980s in roles such as Dirty Dancing, Roadhouse and Ghost.
Malcolm Jamal Warner – 1970
Best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Warner also joined the casts of Community and The Resident.
Steve Chen – 1978
The entrepreneur co-founded the video-sharing website YouTube.
National Ice Cream Pie Day is observed annually on August 18th. This is the second ice cream holiday in August and it honors a refreshing frozen dessert that comes in many delicious flavors.
#IceCreamPieDay
First came putting ice cream on pies. The natural next step would be making ice cream into pies. With all the flavors available, our options are unlimited! Plus, when we figure in the types of crusts to make with ice cream pie, the concept is beyond delightful. Combine graham cracker crusts and maple pecan ice cream for a fall treat. Or a vanilla wafer crust with peanut butter ice cream topped with bananas – yum! You’re only limited by your imagination.
The treat also makes an excellent substitute for those who can’t decide on pie or cake for their birthday. Compromise and just have an ice cream pie. So many benefits to enjoying ice cream pie over just ice cream or just pie.
Ice cream pies are also a real crowd-pleaser. No matter what flavor you make, they are an easy and delicious dessert to make and serve. Whether you make one for a birthday party, pot luck or another family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!
HOW TO OBSERVE ICE CREAM PIE DAY
Whether you make an ice cream pie at home or order one from your favorite ice cream shop, you won’t be disappointed. And neither will your guests! Give your favorite ice cream shop a shout out, too. Looking for recipes? We found several for you to enjoy.
Q. What kind of toppings can you put on ice cream pie? A. All kinds of toppings add flavor, interest and texture to ice cream pies. Consider using fruit, berries, nuts, sprinkles, marshmallows, syrups, and whipped cream on your pie.
Q. Can you add candles to an ice cream pie? A. Yes! Candles are a festive addition to an ice cream pie. Just be sure to light them right before the guest of honor blows them out. Otherwise, you could end up with wax on your pie.
What was once one of the most popular ways of shopping is remembered each year on August 18th as it is National Mail Order Catalog Day.
#MailOrderCatalogDay
This day marks the anniversary of the first Montgomery Wards mail order catalog. On this day in 1872, Aaron Montgomery Ward of Chicago produced a catalog designed for direct order via mail. He aimed to remove the middleman from the business of buying and selling. As a result, he also drastically lowered prices.
The very first catalog consisted of an 8 by 12-inch single sheet of paper. On it, Ward included the merchandise for sale, price list, and ordering instructions. Before long, the Montgomery Wards single-page list of products grew into a 540 page illustrated book selling over 20,000 items.
It didn’t take long for enterprising merchants to copy Montgomery Wards’ idea. One notable merchant, Richard Warren Sears, mailed his catalog in 1896. As others entered the field, catalog sales grew. By 1971, catalog sales of major United States firms exceeded more than $250 million in postal revenue.
It’s interesting to note, according to the National Mail Order Association, Aaron Montgomery Ward wasn’t the first to conceive of the mail order catalog. In the United States. Benjamin Franklin may have formulated the first basic mail order concept. He produced a catalog to sell scientific and academic books. Franklin also receives credit for offering the first mail-order guarantee: “Those persons who live remote, by sending their orders and money to B. Franklin may depend on the same justice as if present.”
Today, mail order catalogs have been replaced with internet websites. Additionally, the term “mail-order” has been replaced with the term “online shopping.”
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MAIL ORDER CATALOG DAY
While our catalogs are digital these days, which ones are your favorites? Nearly every retail business has an online presence and with that, their catalog of products grows, varies, and changes. It’s an excellent day to support your small online business by shopping with them, sharing their products, or giving them a review. Is there a product you wish they’d carry? Let them know! Many retailers seek customer feedback to improve their business. What are some of you’re favorite purchases from a mail-order catalog (paper or digital)?
Let us know, using #MailOrderCatalogDay to post on social media.
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this shopping holiday.
Mail Order FAQ
Q. Do mail order catalogs still exist? A. Yes, they do, and they are increasing in popularity. Many companies are issuing small catalogs to grab customers’ attention. Most companies that have catalogs also have websites to sell their products.
Q. What do mail order catalogs sell? A. Just about anything from fashion and accessories to medical equipment. Some catalogs specialize while others offer a variety of merchandise.
Q. Can I still order directly from a website if I receive a catalog? A. Yes, but don’t hesitate to look through the entire catalog. Some companies may include special QR codes and discount codes.
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In 2016, 