Category: July 22

  • NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY – Fourth Saturday in July

    NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY

    National Day of the Cowboy on the fourth Saturday in July recognizes the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West. 

    #NationalDayOfTheCowboy

    The era of the cowboy began after the Civil War in the heart of Texas. Cattle were herded long before this time, but in Texas, they grew wild and unchecked. As the country expanded, the demand for beef in the northern territories and states increased. With nearly 5 million head of cattle, cowboys moved the herds on long drives to where the profits were.

    The draw of riches and adventure mixed with tales of violence. Among the grand backdrop of the Great Plains, the mythological image of the cowboy emerged. 

    Where the dust settles reveals much of the stoic truth of the American cowboy and cowgirl. The life of a cowboy required a particular ability to live in a frontier world. To do so requires respect, loyalty, and a willingness to work hard.

    In the words of former President George W. Bush, “We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY

    Celebrate with a cowboy you know and post on social media using #NationalDayOfTheCowboy.  Enjoy a western novel or movie, attend a rodeo, and embrace the cowboy way of life.

    NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY HISTORY

    According to the National Day of the Cowboy Organization, this day “…is a day set aside to celebrate the contributions of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage.” The NDOC continuously pursues national recognition of National Day of the Cowboy. Currently, 14 states recognize this day. The first celebration was in 2005.  

    DATES:
    23 July 2022
    22 July 2023
    27 July 2024
    26 July 2025
    25 July 2026
    24 July 2027
    22 July 2028
    28 July 2029
    27 July 2030

  • NATIONAL FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY – July 22

    NATIONAL FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY | JULY 22

    Each year on July 22nd, National Fragile X Awareness Day celebrates those impacted by Fragile X syndrome. The day also raises support for research, education and awareness.

    #FragileXAwarenessDay

    Fragile X syndrome is a mutation of the FMR1 gene and is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. It impacts men more than women, and while a person may have the gene mutation, sometimes they do not have any apparent signs. Those who do show signs may have mild or severe symptoms. Physical, intellectual and behavioral symptoms may appear, and they vary between males and females. Women tend to have similar but milder symptoms or none at all.

    • Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, autism, anxiety, poor eye contact, sensory disorders, hand-biting or flapping, aggression.
    • Learning disabilities
    • Elongated face and ears
    • Soft skin
    • Macroorchidism or large testicles
    • Connective tissue problems impacting ears, feet, joints and palate
    • Very social

    Testing and treatment are available, but because there is no cure, more research is needed. Through raising awareness, the day hope to further the search for a cure. National Fragile X Awareness Day takes place during National Fragile X Awareness Month to further highlight the importance of supporting families and finding a cure.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY

    Celebrate the families impacted by Fragile X. Show your support by learning more about Fragile X. Other ways to participate include:

    • Families, download and print Fragile X awareness cards.
    • Donate to support research.
    • Attend webinars or seminars about Fragile X.
    • Host an event on social media.
    • Organize a fundraiser.
    • Join a support group.
    • Share your experiences.
    • Add a frame to your social media profile.

    While you are participating, be sure to share #FragileXAwarenessDay on social media.

    NATIONAL FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

    In 2000, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution naming July 22nd National Fragile X Awareness Day. The following year, the U.S. House passed a resolution also in support of the day. Both resolutions urged the day. National Institutes of Health, the CDC and researchers around the country and world to join the efforts to find a cure.

     

  • NATIONAL PENUCHE FUDGE DAY – July 22

    NATIONAL PENUCHE FUDGE DAY | JULY 22

    National Penuche Fudge Day on July 22nd recognizes the creamy candy with an Italian name. If you like maple flavor, this nut-filled fudge is for you! Hands down the best fudge out there to make.

    #NationalPenucheFudgeDay

    Penuche (pə-​ˈnō-​chə) is pronounced pe-new-chee. The Italian form of the word is panucci. The fudge-like candy includes the following ingredients: brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk. Lighter in color than traditional fudge, penuche tastes like maple thanks to the brown sugar. If you are looking to celebrate, many shops in New England sell this fudge. There they will add pecans and other nuts, especially if making a candy form of penuche. Southerners call it brown sugar fudge candy.   

    Of course, the day provides an opportunity to test recipes, too. Add walnuts or pecans for a nutty texture to any recipe. However, if you prefer the creamier version, nuts are always purely optional. Cook the sugar mixture in a heavy saucepan. Making good candy or fudge is no time to go cheap. No matter what recipe you use, keep stirring and watch the temperature. Always use a candy thermometer. Fudge is finicky and will seize up on you.  

    Whether you taste a homemade bite, store-bought, or your first bite, be sure to savor it.  Don’t forget to share!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PENUCHE FUDGE DAY

    Make your own batch with this Penuche Fudge Recipe.  Will it be with nuts or without?  Post on social media using #NationalPenucheFudgeDay photos of the result of your effort.

    Plus, if you are so inclined, we would enjoy tasting your homemade fudge. You might even consider sending some our way.

    NATIONAL PENUCHE FUDGE DAY HISTORY

    We have been unable to identify the origins of National Penuche Fudge Day.

     

  • NATIONAL MANGO DAY – July 22

    NATIONAL MANGO DAY | July 22

    Sweet, fragrant, and juicy mangoes add an abundance of flavor to beverages and meals. That’s why on July 22nd, National Mango Day recognizes all the nutritious variety this tropical fruit brings to the table!

    #NationalMangoDay

    Originating in Bangladesh and parts of Myanmar and India, hundreds of varieties of mangoes grow around the world today.

    • Ataulfo – Also known as the Honey mango, the Ataulfo is considered the Cadillac of the fruit. With a small seed and firm, sweet flesh, the Ataulfo doesn’t become fibrous and stringy like other varieties.
    • Haden – This popular mango variety was one of the first originated in Florida. It produces large fruits with a sweet and aromatic pine scent. With only thin fibers, it doesn’t become stringy and is one of the most popular varieties.
    • Irwin – Developed from the Haden, this mild mango is fiberless and is popular for home growers.
    • Tommy Atkins – While this mango is tart and sweet, it is one of the stringiest mangoes on the market.

    The type of mango will help determine where to use it. Sweet, buttery mangoes make for great eating. They also taste great in salads, develop flavor in marinades and add a pop of sweetness to spicy salsas. Drop more fibrous mangoes into the blender for a refreshing smoothie.

    Mangoes also pack in the nutrients. Did you know that one mango contains almost two and a half times more vitamin C than an orange? Mangoes are also high in vitamins A, B-6 and K, antioxidants, potassium and dietary fiber.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MANGO DAY

    On National Mango Day, explore your produce section and discover the kinds of mangoes they offer. Celebrate the day by tasting and sampling new recipes. How about trying these ideas, too!

    • Order a mango-inspired dish at a local restaurant.
    • Try this Kiwi Mango Parfait.
    • Highlight a dish with mango.
    • Purchase different varieties of mangoes and have a mango tasting.
    • Share your favorite mango recipes.
    • If you live in a region where mangoes grow, plant a mango tree.

    What a versatile fruit! How many ways will you celebrate with mangoes? While you enjoy, Share your mango celebration using #NationalMangoDay on social media.

    NATIONAL MANGO DAY HISTORY

    National Mango Day on July 22nd originated in India but in the United States, the National Mango Board began promoting the day, too.

     

    July 22nd Celebrated History

    1893

    Inspired by the view from atop Pikes Peak, American author and professor Katharine Lee Bates writes the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.”

    1934

    After 19 months of pursuit, federal agent Melvin Purvis and his team meet gangster and bank robber, John Dillinger outside the Biograph Theater. The resulting shootout between the agents and Dillinger ended in the gangster’s death.

    1983

    Australian pilot Dick Smith completed the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth. He took his time, though. He departed on August 5, 1982, in his Bell Jetranger III from Bell Helicopter Hurst Heliport in Hurst, Texas. Fifty years before, Wiley Post became the first person to fly solo around the world when he landed his Lockheed Vega named Winnie May when he landed at Floyd Bennet Field in New York. His flight took just under 8 days to complete.

    1992

    Though never released in U.S. theatres, the action movie Captain America starring Matt Salinger, Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty is released to video.

    July 22nd Celebrated Birthdays

    Ruthie Tompson – 1910

    The American animator and artist worked nearly 40 years with the Walt Disney Company. Some of the animated films she worked on include Mary Poppins, Robin Hood, and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too. In 2010, she became one of America’s supercentenarians.

    Pancho Barnes – 1922

    Not only was Pancho Barnes an aviation pioneer, but she also paved the way for stuntwomen in Hollywood. She also built her own airstrip and training program.

    Dorcas Reilly – 1926

    When you’re preparing your Thanksgiving meal, raise a toast to Dorcas Reilly. During her time working for Campbell’s Test Kitchen, she created the green bean casserole, a staple of an American Thanksgiving feast.

    Alex Trebek – 1940

    The popular Canadian American game show host is best known for hosting the game show Jeopardy! He hosted the show for 37 seasons.

    John Leguizamo – 1964

    The American actor is known for both his serious and comedic roles. His filmography includes John Wick, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Ice Age animated franchise and many more.

     

  • NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY – July 22

    National Hammock Day | July 22
    National Hammock Day | July 22

    NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY | July 22

    On July 22nd, relax in the shade and enjoy National Hammock Day. These portable, comfortable slings create excellent napping spaces no matter where you are!

    #NationalHammockDay

    A hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope or netting. When suspended between two points, a hammock forms a sling used for swinging, sleeping or resting. We usually suspend a hammock between trees or posts.  

    The hammock dates back thousands of years to Central America where it protected people from creatures and dirt. However, the netted bed didn’t find Europe until explorers brought it back in the 17th century. Not long after, the hammock found its way onto naval ships, providing comfort and maximizing space.

    After swaying across the oceans, the hammock eventually became a more leisurely item. Made from a variety of fabrics, it is suspended between trees in backyards and at lake cabins. Easily packed into a backpack, hammocks became essential elements of survival. Hikers, campers, and mountain climbers added the light and compact sleep sling to their kits.

    If the leisure of hammocks seems ho-hum to you, don’t go the relaxing route. Extreme hammocking puts the adventure into your rest and relaxation. Thrill-seekers sleep in hammocks hundreds of feet above a canyon floor.

    Whether you use a hammock to take a nap or as a convenient tool in your camping kit, July 22nd second recognizes one innovative way to catch some sleep. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY

    Hang up your hammock and take a nap. Use your own or borrow a hammock to celebrate. Host a hammock event, encouraging others to relax in the great outdoors. You can also conduct some research.

    • Do you sleep better in a hammock or in a bed? According to a Swiss research team at the University of Geneva, the hammock wins. Conduct your own tests to see if it’s true. 
    • Which is easier to pack, a hammock or an air mattress?
    • Sticking to our hammock vs. air mattress test, which is easier to set up?
    • Manufacturers make hammocks out of a variety of materials; Which one do you prefer?
    • Answer this question: Which is easier to get out of, a hammock or mattress?

    Share photos of your hammock experience by posting on social media using #NationalHammockDay.

    NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this relaxing holiday. In the meantime, won’t you check out these other stress-free days?

  • NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY – July 22

    NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY | July 22

    National Rat Catcher’s Day on July 22nd commemorates the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The day also provides an opportunity to thank all present-day exterminators.

    #NationalRatCatchersDay

    According to the folktale, residents of the German town of Hamelin hired a strangely dressed man to rid their village of rats. The Pied Piper of Hamelin did so by playing his flute. Upon finishing the task, the townsfolk refused to pay — so the Pied Piper returned. Once again, the Pied Piper played his flute while the children followed him. And with the Pied Piper, the children vanished, never to return.  

    While a harrowing tale of revenge doesn’t seem like something to celebrate, someone found a way. Depending on where you live, the day includes festivals and re-enactments. Due to differing dates in stories and poems, Hamelin, Germany, celebrates the day on June 26th. The event consists of a pied piper leading children through the city streets. There’s even Richard the Rat who gets to tell his version of the story.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY

    Appreciate all rat catchers and make this their day! Read the story about the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Post on social media using #NationalRatCatchersDay.

    NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY HISTORY

    We were unable to find the creator of National Rat Catcher’s Day. The day is also known as Ratcatcher’s Day, Rat-catcher’s Day or Rat-Catcher’s Day and is sometimes celebrated on June 26. The confusion stems from the Brothers Grimm as they cite June 26, 1284, as the date the Pied Piper led the children out of the town. At the same time, the poem by Robert Browning uses the date July 22, 1376.