NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY | August 2
National Coloring Book Day on August 2nd recognizes the joy children and adults alike derive from coloring in pages of designs.
#NationalColoringBookDay
Coloring and coloring books have always been popular with children, but over the years, adults have gotten more and more involved with coloring. Obviously, adult coloring is now a huge trend. Many find that it is not only fun but also a great way to reduce stress.
With so many colors and designs to choose from, coloring offers enjoyment in so many settings. They’re portable and come in a variety of sizes. Take coloring books on vacation with you for rainy days or to document a fun memory.
Coloring books also make great gifts all year long. When someone visits, be sure to leave a coloring book and colors in the guest room for downtime. At the office, keep a variety of books in the breakroom for co-workers to fill up. 
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY
Go find a coloring party near you or participate online. Spend some time coloring with your friends, children, or grandchildren or by yourself. Enjoy the creativity of making a picture come to life. Download the official #NationalColoringBookDay 2021 color page.
You can also check out the coloring pages in the National Day Calendar Classroom.
Share your ideas for coloring books and post your pictures on social media using #NationalColoringBookDay to encourage others to find enjoyment in coloring.
NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY HISTORY
Dover Publications created National Coloring Book Day in May 2015. Founded in 1941, Dover Publications leads the way. Dover released their first coloring book for adults, Antique Automobiles Coloring Book, in 1970. Dover now publishes Creative Haven®, a popular line of coloring books specially designed for adult colorists.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the day to be observed annually on August 2nd.
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August 2nd Celebrated History
1610
During his quest to find the Northwest Passage, Henry Hudson’s ships sailed up a large river on the eastern shore of North America. The river and bay would eventually be named after him.
1776
While delegates from the 13 colonies formally approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it wasn’t signed by the delegates until August 2nd. However, not all the delegates signed on that day. Many signed days later and some, not at all.
1819
Charles Guille becomes the first person to parachute in the United States. He ascended up into the sky using a hot air balloon, and when he reached the desired altitude, Guille cut his basket loose from the balloon. His parachute unfurled and Guille drifted to the Earth, basket and all, before a crowd of thousands at Vauxhall Gardens in New York City.
1870
The first underground subway, the Tower Subway opens to the public. Tunneled deep beneath London’s River Thames, the subway’s original purpose of allowing wheeled traffic was soon abandoned to foot traffic only. While not used for public transportation of any kind, the tunnel provides a pathway for utilities.
1909
The United States Mint issues the first Lincoln penny to the public. On one side, the penny displayed the profile of President Abraham Lincoln along with the words “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” and the year 1909. On the flip side, two stalks of wheat graced the coin along with the phrase “E. Pluribus Unum” across the top and the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” in the center.
1923
The 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding, dies of a heart attack.
1973
The movie American Graffiti premiers at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. George Lucas directed the coming of age film. Many faces familiar to today’s audiences include Richard Dreyfuss, Suzanne Somers, Wolfman Jack, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Mackenzie Philips, and Cindy Williams.
1980
Magic by Olivia Newton-John hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stays there for four weeks.
1990
The Gulf War begins with the bombing of Kuwait City by Iraq.
August 2nd Celebrated History
Pierre Charles L’Enfant – 1754
The central design for Washington D.C. was laid out by this French-American architect.
John Tyndall – 1820
The American physician scientifically answered the often asked question, “Why is the sky blue?”. He also discovered the properties of air in the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect.
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi – 1834
This French sculptor is best known for designing the Statue of Liberty.
Myrna Loy – 1905
Best known for her roles in The Thin Man, The Great Ziegfeld, and Cheaper by the Dozen, Loy also was known for her activism during World War II.
Bill Scott – 1920
As a voice actor, Scott portrayed animated characters Bullwinkle, Mister Peabody, Dudley Do-Right and George of the Jungle.
Peter O’Toole – 1932
Best known for his role as Lawrence of Arabia in the film by the same name, O’Toole also starred in numerous other award-winning films.
Wes Craven – 1939
The American filmmaker, actor, and novelist is best known for his eerie horror films. Among his many credits are A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream and The Hills Have Eyes.
Kathy Lennon – 1943
Kathy Lennon was the second youngest sister in the vocal group The Lennon Sisters.
Frederic W. Goudy – 1947
The self-taught American printer and typographer designed his first typeface in 1897. In his lifetime, he would create over 100 different fonts.
Lance Ito – 1950
The Los Angeles Superior Court judge is best known for presiding over the People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson case in 1995. During the much-publicized murder case, Judge Ito became a household name.
Caleb Carr – 1955
Historian and author, Carr has published several books including The Alienist, The Angel of Darkness, Killing Time, and several more.
Mary Louise Parker – 1964
Best known for her role as Ruth Jamison in Fried Green Tomatoes, the versatile actress also played numerous other roles. Her long list of credits includes state productions as well.
Golden Tate – 1988
Tate plays wide receiver for the New York Giants.
Simone Manuel – 1996
An Olympic swimmer, Manuel earned two gold medals and two silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.