NATIONAL COTTON CANDY DAY
National Cotton Candy Day celebrates the spun sugar treat that delights candy fans of all ages. On December 7th get your favorite flavor of this sweet delight that dates back to the 1400s.
#NationalCottonCandyDay
Originally called spun sugar, cotton candy is still a staple at carnivals, fairs, and the circus. While it may be reminiscent of childhood days, fairy floss also reminds us of fluffy clouds. Since the heated sugar gets spun into thin strands of fine sugar and blown into fat puffs twirled onto paper sticks, it’s a bit like magic.
We associate it with other magical occasions, too. Carnivals and fairs, the zoo, and the circus delight us. We associate a bit of joy and magic with cotton candy. Nostalgic memories of bustling crowds and the music of the calliope bring a smile to our faces. Cotton candy comes with adventure!
Cotton candy is also called candy floss or fairy floss.
During the 18th century, cotton candy (spun sugar) was first recorded in Europe. At that time, it was very expensive and labor-intensive. Generally, the average person could not afford to purchase cotton candy.
Then in 1897, Dentist William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton invented machine-spun cotton candy. Their invention introduced cotton candy to a wider audience at the 1904 World’s Fair as Fairy Floss. Fairgoers loved it and bought over 68,000 boxes for 25¢ a box.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COTTON CANDY DAY
When it comes to celebrating this sweet treat, there are many routes we can take. Try creating an adventure by exploring all the ways cotton candy used to be made and how it’s made today. Share your favorite memories of cotton candy treats while enjoying some cotton candy with those you love. Use #NationalCottonCandyDay to post on social media.
Do you want to learn more about this fascinating candy? Read 5 Sweet Facts About Cotton Candy.
NATIONAL COTTON CANDY DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this sweet food holiday.
Cotton Candy FAQ
Q. What is the most popular color of cotton candy?
A. The most popular color of cotton candy is pink followed by blue. Candy makers add a type of food coloring to achieve the pastel colors.
Q. What happens if I squeeze cotton candy?
A. Because cotton candy is made from 70% air, squeezing it forces the air out and the sugar molecules to stick together.
Q. Can you use any kind of sugar to make cotton candy?
A. Cotton candy sugar can be made from granular sugar. However, several brands make flavored sugars and syrups specifically for making cotton candy.
December 7th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History
1909
Patent No. 942,699 issued to Leo Hendrik Baekeland of Yonkers, NY for Bakelite. The plastic is the first of its kind resistant to melting when heated.
1941
Japan attacks the U.S. Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack draws the United States into World War II.
1960
Elvis Presley’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is the number 1 song in the country.
1972
Apollo 17 launched from Cape Canaveral on the sixth and final moon mission under the command of Eugene Cernan. The crew also included geologist Harrison Schmitt and pilot Ron Evans. Cernan and Schmitt spent explored the lunar surface while Evans stayed aboard the lunar module, America. During the mission, the crew takes a photo of the Earth that is known today as the “blue marble” photo.
1979
Star Trek: The Motion Picture has its Los Angeles, CA premiere. Based on the Gene Roddenberry television series, the movie starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Deforest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Berrett, Walter Koenig, and Nichelle Nichols.
December 7th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Richard Warren Sears – 1863
The rail station agent started a catalog company selling jewelry and by 1893 he joined Alvah Roebuck and co-founded Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Willa Cather – 1873
The author’s works recorded the pioneer and frontier life in novels such as My Antonia, O Pioneers, and many of her short stories.
Clarence Nash – 1904
The voice actor was the original and most distinctive, sputtering voice of the animated character, Donald Duck.
Benjamin Eisenstadt – 1906
Before developing the product Sweet ‘n Low, Eisenstadt invented individual sugar packets. When he began producing his zero-calorie sweetener, Eisenstadt packaged it in individual pink packets so consumers could easily distinguish the Sweet ‘n Low from the sugar packets.
Reginald Lewis – 1942
Following Harvard Law School, Lewis launched Wall Street’s first African American law firm. By the time he was 41, he was the richest black man in American and the first to become a billionaire.
Larry Bird – 1956
Bird played professional basketball for the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons bringing home 3 NBA championships.