Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, Daylight Appreciation Day, more

June 21st, 2011 is Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, World Peace and Prayer Day, National Daylight Appreciation Day, Take a Kid Fishing Event, Go Skateboarding Day, Baby Boomers Recognition Day, World Handshake Day, National Aboriginal Day, St. Leufredus' Day, National Day (Greenland), Martyrs' Day (Togo), Atheist Solidarity Day, World Humanist Day, National Lambrusco Day, and National Peaches and Cream Day.

Our sun. Image: Graur Codrin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer Solstice takes place on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere; it occurs in December in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer Solstice brings the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, when the sun is furthest from the equator. The word "solstice" is derived from Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still," because the sun seems to stand still in the sky near noon. Determine the exact moment Summer Solstice will occur in your area. Check Google for a sweet first-day-of-summer logo today or after the fact.

Anne and Samantha Day is observed twice a year - on Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice. Supporters of Anne and Samantha Day campaign for postage stamps honoring Anne Frank and Samantha Smith, two idealistic, caring teenagers whose lives ended too soon.

World Peace and Prayer Day, always celebrated on Summer Solstice, was created after the birth of a white buffalo in 1994. The Lakota Tribe believes that "the birth of Miracle, a female white buffalo, signaled a time of earth changes and the coming of the mending of the Hoop of All Nations." Miracle lived from August 20th, 1994 to September 19th, 2004.

National Daylight Appreciation Day was created by Solatube International, but celebrated by all as the longest day of the year.

Take a Kid Fishing Event is celebrated in Eastern North Carolina as a day to take disadvantaged youth on a day-long coastal fishing adventure. But why not honor the event in some small way, wherever you are?

On Go Skateboarding Day, you're encouraged to let everything else slide and just go skateboarding. Even zombies, according to this year's poster. I'll just stay in and research upcoming holidays for you, okay?

Baby Boomers have always been a self-centered bunch, with so much marketing aimed at them, that they even need a special day. Voila - Baby Boomers Recognition Day. Baby Boomers are usually categorized as everyone born between 1946 and 1964. (All right, I'll admit I'm one of that group, at the younger end.) Did you know we're called "Boomies" in Canada and "The Bulge" in the UK?

World Handshake Day is a lovely notion, created by Ivan Zupa. Join hands and celebrate Welthändedruck in Austria, Welthändeschütteln in Germany, Heimshandtak in Iceland, Wereld Handskud in Africa, Világ kézfogás in Hungary, or Saludando al mundo in Spanish-speaking nations. Learn more ways to say World Handshake Day, then celebrate.

Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21st, to honor their native population. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people share their culture and contributions to Canada on this day.

St. Leufredus' Day is the most important day in Fight the Filthy Fly Month. St. Leufredus is the patron saint against flies, supposedly because he could shoo flies away through prayer.

The National Day of Greenland takes place on the longest day of the year, to pack in as much celebrating as possible. Citizens enjoy music, folk dancing, kayaking, dressing in traditional garb, and more.

Togo celebrates Martyrs' Day on June 21st every year, honoring those who lost their lives for the sake of freedom and independence.

Atheist Solidarity Day is a grassroots phenomenon with no formal organization. Celebrate how and if you so choose.

World Humanist Day is yet another holiday always celebrated on Summer Solstice. According to the International Humanist and Ethical Union, humanism is "a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities."

Today is National Lambrusco Day. Lambrusco, an Italian wine, is available in red, white, and rose. According to those who know, Americans were cheated out of the real thing until about fifteen years ago, because only "cloyingly sweet, overly fizzy commercial versions" were imported.Take this opportunity to try a quality lambrusco.

Doesn't summer bring peaches to mind? Celebrate the first day of summer, also known as National Peaches and Cream Day, with a bowl of summer goodness.

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Midsummer Eve, Festival of Sant Joan, Ride to Work Day, American Eagle Day, more

June 20th, 2011 is Midsummer Eve, Festival of Sant Joan, Ride to Work Day, American Eagle Day, Martyrs Day, Flag Day (Argentina), Toad Hollow Day of Thank You, UN World Refugee Day, National Vanilla Milkshake Day, and Ice Cream Soda Day.

Midsummer Eve is the second-largest celebration in Scandinavia, topped only by Christmas. Midsummer Eve is the night before Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Some other parts of the world celebrate Midsummer on June 24th.

The Festival of Sant Joan begins on June 20th and continues through June 24th in Spain, with bonfires, fireworks, music, and dancing.

On the third Monday in June, Ride to Work Day, commuters are urged to consider using a motorcycle or scooter instead of a car. June is definitely the right time of year, barring storms.

June 20th is American Eagle Day. Even though Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird, we have the majestic bald eagle. Learn how you can help protect eagles for generations to come.

Eritrea commemorates Martyrs Day on June 20th each year, in memory of those who gave their lives during the Great Thirty-Year War. Eritrea has been independent since 1991.

Argentina celebrates Flag Day on June 20th, the anniversary of the death of Manuel Belgrano, the designer of the flag. Belgrano was also instrumental in Argentina's independence in 1816.

Toad Hollow Day of Thank You is one of those odd holidays that won't be pinned down. I often skip days with shady origins, but this one sounds so unique I can't part with it. Imagine for yourself who you're supposed to thank, why today in particular, and what Toad Hollow has to do with your gratitude.

Since 2001 the world has honored UN World Refugee Day. The current campaign carries the theme, "One Refugee Without Hope Is Too Many."

A milkshake is a wonderful retro treat on a hot day, so embrace National Vanilla Milkshake Day. Don't know what to tell you if you'd prefer strawberry or chocolate.

If milkshakes aren't your thing, consider Ice Cream Soda Day. What's better than a couple scoops of your favorite ice cream swimming in a tumbler of fizzy soda?

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Father's Day, Sauntering Day, Juneteenth, Butterfly Day, more

June 19th, 2011 is Father's Day, World Sauntering Day, Juneteenth, Red Soda Celebration, Butterfly Day, Garfield the Cat Day, Husband Caregiver Day, Family Awareness Day, Trinity Sunday, World Sickle Cell Day, Labor Day (Trinidad and Tobago), and Eat an Oreo Day.  

My Dad, Thomas Brooks, 1911-1995.

The first Father's Day was celebrated in June of 1920. Sonora Smart Dodd created the holiday to honor her father, who raised six children after his wife died in childbirth. Do something special for your Dad if he's still around. My Dad passed away in 1995 and I miss him every day. I've blogged about the world as it was in the year of his birth, 1911. Happy Father's Day, Dad!

World Sauntering Day was created in the 1970s by W.T. Rabe of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA. Rabe considered sauntering to be the antithesis of jogging, being pointless on purpose. Go ahead - show us your best saunter.

Juneteenth is a simple, catchy name for African American Emancipation Day, beginning in Galveston, Texas back in 1865. Juneteenth.com "promotes unity, freedom, achievement and self-esteem through the celebration of Juneteenth across the nation and beyond.

Along with Juneteenth, today is the Red Soda Celebration. Texas slaves were the last to be freed, on June 19th, 1865, when word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the state. Former slaves gained many freedoms, including the ability to purchase expensive red soda water.

June 19th is Butterfly Day, a day to capture images of butterflies, not the creatures themselves. Our butterfly bushes aren't blooming yet, but when they are - butterflies galore!

Celebrate Garfield the Cat Day on the anniversary of his creation back in 1978. Eating lasagna and torturing Odie seem to keep Garfield young.

Husband Caregiver Day is always celebrated on Father's Day. This day honors husbands who provide medical care to their wives or children. If you know of such a man, offer him some help and relief today.

Family Awareness Day is another tie-in with Father's Day. Recognize the important role fathers have to play in their children's lives, especially in light of the latest statistics that show too many children growing up without a consistent fatherly influence. Did your father help you to become the person you are today?

Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, celebrates the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in Christianity.

World Sickle Cell Day is meant to raise awareness of Sickle Cell as a world health problem. "A candle loses none of its light by lighting another candle!"

Labor Day is celebrated today in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the beginning of modern trade unions and fair working conditions in that country.

Finally - a legitimate reason to link to Attack of the Show for my husband! Their blog mentions Eat an Oreo Day. Happy Father's Day, Joe, because you're a great Dad, and happy Eat an Oreo Day, everybody!

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Badger Day, Hollerin' Contest Day, Go Fishing Day, Splurge Day, more

June 18th, 2011 is Badger Day, National Hollerin' Contest Day, Go Fishing Day, International Picnic Day, National Splurge Day, World Jugglers Day, Queen's Birthday (Cambodia), Eid el-Galaa, National Day (Seychelles), National Martini Day, and International Sushi Day.

Badger Day is always celebrated on the third Saturday in June. The NFBG (National Federation of Badger Groups) raises money to help save badgers.

Also on the third Saturday in June, Spivey's Corner, North Carolina hosts the National Hollerin' Contest. Yaaaaahhh!

After everyone stops hollerin', it's time to catch a big mess of fish. Gotta stay quiet. Now keep your eye on that bobber. Today is Go Fishing Day.

How's the weather where you are? How's the family? Gather your loved ones, some yummy food, and a blanket, then celebrate International Picnic Day indoors or out.

Today is National Splurge Day. Maybe in our current economy we should put this holiday on hiatus. Or we could splurge on something non-monetary, like an extra scoop of ice cream or an extra hour of gaming. Be creative!

The IJA (International Jugglers' Association) presents World Jugglers Day, "to help spread the fun of juggling and to bring jugglers together all over the world." We have three bowling balls, but, sadly, only one chain saw.

On June 18th Cambodians celebrate Queen's Birthday, honoring the birth of Her Royal Highness (HRH) Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

Eid el-Galaa or Evacuation Day is an annual celebration in Egypt, remembering the day in 1954 when foreign troops evacuated the country.

National Day is celebrated on June 18th in the Seychelles, commemorating the formation of their constitutional democracy in 1993.

"Shaken, not stirred." Oh, and with an extra olive. Cheers - happy National Martini Day.

Today is the time to honor a food that is half work of art, half tasty bite. You eat first with your eyes, you know. Enjoy International Sushi Day.

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Work at Home Father's Day, Flip Flop Day, Watergate Day, more

June 17th, 2011 is  Work at Home Father's Day, National Flip Flop Day, Fresh Veggies Day, Eat Your Vegetables Day, Watergate Day, UN World Day to Combat Desertification, Bunker Hill Day, Independence Day (Iceland), National Apple Struedel Day, and National Cherry Tart Day.

On the Friday before Father's Day, celebrate Work at Home Father's Day. Not a bad idea, but even better might be Play at Home Father's Day! In any event, enjoy your day, dads of the world.

National Flip Flop Day is sponsored by Tropical Smoothie Cafe. They not only give free smoothies to customers wearing flip flops, but also raise funds and awareness for Camp Sunshine. Awesome. (Funny thing is, when I was a kid those plastic or rubber shoes with the bit that goes between your toes were called "thongs." Today a "thong" is something completely different!)

Celebrate Fresh Veggies Day by munching on carrots, celery, cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce, and more. Hmmm... I'm in the mood for a chopped salad now.

Similar to Fresh Veggies Day, today's calendar includes Eat Your Vegetables Day. A subtle but important difference, though, is the leeway to eat vegetables that aren't fresh. Canned aren't especially healthy, but frozen veggies are sometimes more nutritious than fresh.

June 17th marks the anniversary of the Watergate break-in in 1972, an event immortalized by journalists Woodward and Bernstein. Their investigation led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. How will you observe Watergate Day?

UN World Day to Combat Desertification, observed since 1995, is meant to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining and improving soil condition. Soil quality affects food quality and surrounding ecosystems.

Bunker Hill Day commemorates an important Boston battle of the American Revolutionary War. Charlestown, Massachusetts holds a celebratory parade on June 17th or the Sunday prior.

Today Iceland celebrates Independence Day. On June 17th, 1944, Iceland gained full independence from Denmark.

On National Apple Strudel Day, enjoy a classic treat made with apples and flaky pastry. Your choice - breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If apples aren't your thing, you have an option. Today is also National Cherry Tart Day.

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Bloomsday, Recess at Work Day, Dump the Pump Day, more

June 16th, 2011 is Bloomsday, Recess at Work Day, National Dump the Pump Day, Youth Day, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, National Career Nursing Assistants Day, and National Fudge Day.

Bloomsday celebrates Leopold Bloom, the main character in James Joyce's classic novel, Ulysses. Most of the action in the novel takes place on June 16th, 1904.

Celebrate Recess at Work Day if you're secure in your job, if your boss is cool with it, and especially if your office has a tetherball court and a slide. Lose that stress and have fun!

APTA (American Public Transportation Association) hosts the 6th annual National Dump the Pump Day. Commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at home and give public transportation a try. Tempting, since the price of gas is so high this year. The latest APTA Transit Savings Report states that "a two person household that downsizes to one car can save - on the average - more than $10,000 a year." Now that's impressive.

South Africa observes Youth Day on June 16th to honor those who were killed during a series of clashes in Soweto in 1976. Many feel the government under-reported the number of casualties.

On June 16th Sikhs recognize the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, their first martyr and fifth Guru. Guru Arjan was tortured to death in 1606 at the order of Emperor Jahangir.

National Career Nursing Assistants Day honors those who have worked for five to fifty-eight years in the industry. National Career Nursing Assistants Day kicks off National Nursing Assistants Week.

Last but definitely not least, today is National Fudge Day. I'm not an especially desserty person, but I'm always up for a hunk of fudge.

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Sneak a Kiss Day, Smile Power Day, National Man Day, more

June 15th, 2011 is Sneak a Kiss Day, Smile Power Day, National Man Day, Nature Photography Day, Global Wind Day, Fly a Kite Day, National Lobster Day, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Saga Dawa Duchen, National Salvation Day, Valdemar's Day, and Magna Carta Day.

Today is Sneak a Kiss Day. Be playful with your honey. Sneak up on your kids! Plant one on your pet if you're so inclined. If you have no one to kiss, grab a bag of candy kisses and watch a romantic movie.

Have you been using your teeth whitener? Today is Smile Power Day. Show those pearly whites, then ask for a raise, a date, a discount, or a loan. Wield your power wisely!

Two brothers from Indiana apparently declared June 15th National Man Day without realizing the day is also Sneak a Kiss Day and Smile Power Day. Oh well. Slap on some Old Spice, crank up ESPN, have some hot wings, shoot some hoops, hunt some big game. Enjoy your day, guys!

NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) celebrates its sixth annual Nature Photography Day on June 15th, 2011. Camera buffs are invited to take photos in nature, then upload one best shot to a Facebook page which NANPA will create on June 15th. Uploads will be accepted through June 21st, but every image must be created on June 15th.

Global Wind Day was first celebrated in Europe in 2007, then recognized globally in 2009. It is a day for "discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world."

June 15th is not only Global Wind Day, it's also the anniversary of Ben Franklin's legendary (and fool-hardy) kite-flying experiment. As such, we celebrate Fly a Kite Day! May the wind always be at your back --Irish Prayer.

June 15th is always National Lobster Day. If you're not allergic to shellfish, enjoy this succulent delicacy with a touch of drawn butter. Nothing better.

The AoA (Administration on Aging) asks everyone to be more aware of abuse and neglect endured by the world's elderly on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Saga Dawa is the holiest month in the Tibetan year; the seventh day, Saga Dawa Duchen, is the holiest day. Saga Dawa Duchen commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

National Salvation Day comemorates the 1993 return of former President Haydar Aliyev to power in Azerbaijan.

Valdemar's Day is celebrated in Denmark, based on a legend. A Danish flag, Dannebrog, supposedly fell from the sky on this date in 1219 where King Valdemar II was crusading.

Magna Carta Day commemorates a famous document signed in 1215 by King John of England, placing limits on the power of a monarch. The Magna Carta continues to influence our understanding of  individual rights, freedom, and democracy to this day.

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Full Strawberry Moon and total lunar eclipse tonight, June 15th, 2011

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

June's full moon is known as the Full Strawberry Moon. Time to pick those berries!

This month's full moon is also sometimes called the Rose Moon in Europe, where strawberries aren't native.

Make time to see the full moon tonight. There's something magical about that orb in the sky, watching over us, lighting our way along with the stars.

Along with the full moon, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in Africa, Southern Asia, and Australia.

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Flag Day, Pause for the Pledge Day, Family History Day, Pig Callers Day, more

June 14th, 2011 is  Flag Day, National Pause for the Pledge Day, Family History Day, Pig Callers Day, Pop Goes the Weasel Day, World Blood Donor Day, Blood Type Awareness Day, and National Strawberry Shortcake Day.

Flag Day is always celebrated on June 14th, in honor of the date in 1777 when Congress adopted the original  Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Flag map. Image: digitalart; FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At 7:00 p.m. EDT today, Americans are asked to pause and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. On Flag Day 2011, please honor National Pause for the Pledge Day.

On Family History Day, take time to write down what you know about your family tree and contact relatives to help fill in the gaps. Ask older family members to record stories of family lore for future generations to enjoy.

Celebrate Pig Callers Day to the fullest, if you so desire. Maybe I'll have a bacon sandwich.

Pop Goes the Weasel Day is here!. Sing the song or find an old-school jack-in-the box. Do kids even know about such toys these days?

The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is: "More blood. More life." The WHO (World Health Organization) encourages communities to "paint the world red" by covering, painting, or lighting monuments, or by staging other red-themed events.

Dovetailing nicely with World Blood Donor Day, Blood Type Awareness Day is celebrated on June 14th. Will you celebrate universally or will you B negative?

National Strawberry Shortcake Day honors an all-American dessert that features a sweet, crumbly cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Even yummier if you have home-grown berries!

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Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, Weed Your Garden Day, more

June 13th, 2011 is National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, Weed Your Garden Day, Pentecost Monday, and Whit Monday.

If you spill something n the kitchen today, relax. Say you did it on purpose in the spirit of National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day.

The first sewing machines were produced in France in the 1830s. On Sewing Machine Day, pause to consider the importance of sewing machines in your life, whether or not you sew your own clothes. Fashion would be much different if everything had to be pieced together by hand.

Today is Weed Your Garden Day. Sure wish it were Someone Else Will Weed Your Garden Day!

Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday follows Pentecost or Whitsunday. Some churches hold prayer rallies.

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Magic Day, Crowded Nest Awareness Day, Loving Day, Red Rose Day, more

June 12th, 2011 is a busy day for celebrations: Magic Day, Crowded Nest Awareness Day, Loving Day, Red Rose Day, International Cachaca Day, Multicultural American Child Awareness Day, World Day Against Child Labour, Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day, Pentecost, Whitsunday, National Children's Day, Independence Day (Philippines), Independence Day (Russia), Chaco Armistice Day, and National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.

June 12th is Magic Day. Celebrate the wonder of magic - literal tricks and elusive magical moments.

Crowded Nest Awareness Day is a sign of the times. More adult children are either returning home after time away, or never leaving in the first place. Not to mention the children of those children. Maybe Murphy beds will come back in vogue.

Do something special with the ones you love - it's Loving Day!

Conveniently, Loving Day coincides with Red Rose Day. Is that inspiration enough for you?

International Cachaca Day honors a Brazilian spirit - the third most-consumed spirit in the world - made from fermented sugar cane. Cachaca is used to create Brazil's national drink, the Caipirinha.

Multicultural American Child Awareness Day is a time to recognize and appreciate the diversity of children in the United States. We are, after all, the melting pot of the world.

World Day Against Child Labour was first launched in 2002 by the International Labor Organization, to increase awareness of the plight of children forced into child labor.

On Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day people come together in prayer and in action to end violence against women and children.

Pentecost is always celebrated seven weeks after Easter. "Pentecost" means "fiftieth day" in Ancient Greek. It is one of the three most important days on the Christian calendar - honoring the Holy Spirit, one-third of the Trinity. The day is also known as Whitsunday in the UK, because of the white robes worn by newly-baptized church members.

National Children's Day, always celebrated on the second Sunday in June, is a time to offer "faith, hope, love, and commitment" to our children.

Filipinos celebrate Independence Day on June 12th each year. The Philippines gained independence from Spain in 1898.

Russians celebrate Independence Day on June 12th each year, remembering many struggles of generations past.

Paraguay celebrates Chaco Armistice Day, commemorating their victory over Bolivia in the 1930s. Paraguay won control over much of the Chaco Boreal.

Celebrate National Peanut Butter Cookie Day by whipping up a batch. If it's too hot for baking where you are, just grab some plain cookies, a jar of peanut butter, and a knife. Voila - instant peanut butter cookie sandwiches!

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King Kamehameha Day, Wicket World of Croquet, Belmont Stakes, more

June 11th, 2011 is King Kamehameha Day, Wicket World of Croquet, Belmont Stakes, Evacuation Day, and National German Chocolate Cake Day.

King Kamehameha Day in Hawaii, USA, features a parade with Pa'u horse riders bedecked in flowers. The day honors Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.

The 17th Annual Wicket World of Croquet takes place on Saturday, June 11th, 2011 at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Forty teams join the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Alice in a croquet tournament to benefit Indianapolis public schools.

The 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes takes place today in New York, USA. Some top contenders include Animal Kingdom, Brilliant Speed, Nehro, Master of Hounds, Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford, and Stay Thirsty. Horses sure have unique names.

Evacuation Day in Libya commemorates the date in 1970 when the United States evacuated Wheelus Air Base and left Libya.

Sorry, European friends, but German chocolate cake has nothing to do with Germany. Who knew? It's actually named for Samuel German, who created a sweet baking chocolate in 1852 while working for Baker's Chocolate Company. Anyway, have yourself a slice of gooey caramel-pecan-coconut-chocolate decadence on National German Chocolate Cake Day.

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Mourn for your Money Day, Ballpoint Pen Day, Black Cow Day, Iced Tea Day

June 10th, 2011 is Mourn for your Money Day, Ballpoint Pen Day, National Black Cow Day, and Iced Tea Day.

Today is the day to let off steam about the money withheld from your paychecks for taxes. Commemorate Mourn for your Money Day by asking for a raise or by sending an e-card. Hope you get a tax refund next year, at least.

On June 10th, 1943, the Biro brothers filed for a patent on their ballpoint pen design. Take your hand off that mouse, drop the iPad (carefully), turn away from the keyboard. Just for today, experience the simplicity of pen and paper in honor of Ballpoint Pen Day.

Ever heard of a (non-bovine) black cow? Me neither. Turns out, it's simply an ice cream float made with vanilla ice cream and dark soda - cola or root beer. In honor of National Black Cow Day, guess I'll have to make one. It's research, right?

Iced Tea Month is one month-long celebration in June. In addition, June 10th is National Iced Tea Day. With or without lemon? Sweet tea or green? Maybe each flavor should have its own day in June.

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Profess Your Love Day, Donald Duck Day, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

June 9th, 2011 is Profess Your Love Day, Donald Duck Day, and National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.

Feeling romantic? Feeling Shy? Try sending an e-card to the one you love on Profess Your Love Day.

Donald Duck made his cartoonic debut on this date in 1934. Celebrate Donald Duck Day by enjoying some vintage duck!

If you're into really specific pie flavors, June 9th is the day for you. Enjoy your fill on National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.

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Best Friends Day, Name Your Poison Day, Upsy Daisy Day, more

June 8th, 2011 is Best Friends Day, National Name Your Poison Day, Upsy Daisy Day, World Oceans Day, and Clean Air Day. 

Whether you have one special friend or a group of BFFs, do something special in honor of Best Friends Day. Start by sending an e-card to give them the warm fuzzies.

On National Name Your Poison Day, what would you like to drink? I could go for an Amaretto Sour. Cheers!

As a Mom, I would schedule Upsy Daisy Day during the school year to coax my tween daughter out of bed. Oh well. Here's wishing everyone a cheerful, upsy-daisy day.

Sure wish I could be in New York City today. In honor of World Oceans Day the Empire State Building will be lit in white, blue, and purple. Lovely! This UN-created event has been celebrated since 2009. The theme for World Oceans Day 2011 is "Our oceans: greening our future."

Today Canadians observe Clean Air Day, "a celebration of environmentally-friendly activities that promote clean air and good health across Canada." Shouldn't the rest of us follow suit?

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Shavuot, Boone Day, Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 7th, 2011 is the first day of Shavuot, Boone Day, and National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. As days go here at The Holiday Whiz, not a lot of celebrating going on!

In 2011 Shavuot, the Feast of the Weeks, begins June 7th at sundown and ends June 9th at sundown. Shavuot  means "weeks," as in the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. During this time God re-gives the Torah and Jews renew their acceptance of God's gift.

Boone Day is celebrated in Kentucky each year on this date, as the anniversary of Daniel Boone's first sighting of present-day Kentucky, USA.

Does anyone need advice about how to celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day? Just grab a scoop and get to it!

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Drive-In Movie Day, Gardening Exercise Day, Yo-Yo Day, D-Day Anniversary, more

June 6th, 2011 is Drive-In Movie Day, National Gardening Exercise Day, National Yo-Yo Day, Bonza Bottler Day, Barefoot Monday, D-Day Anniversary, National Day (Sweden), and National Applesauce Cake Day,.

Are you old enough to remember drive-ins? Sneaking extra people in under blankets, playing frisbee until sundown, balancing the speaker on your rolled-down car window? If so, celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. The first drive-in opened on this date in Camden, New Jersey, USA.

Anyone who has ever pulled weeds knows that gardening is hard work. But think of it as exercise, and voila - you're killing two birds with one stone - beautifying the world and working out! Today is National Gardening Exercise Day.

National Yo-Yo Day is celebrated on June 6th, the best guess as the birth date of Donald Duncan, founder of Duncan Yo-Yo. Have you walked the dog lately?

If you're a regular reader of The Holiday Whiz you know why today is Bonza Bottler Day. It occurs every month when the month's number and the day's number are the same, as in 6/6.

As Barefoot Week continues, Souls4Soles distributes shoes to the needy in Los Angeles on Barefoot Monday.

"Operation Overlord" was the code name for the Battle of Normandy during World War II, significant in the downfall of Hitler. The operation began on June 6th, 1944, known as D-Day. The mission was the Allied Forces' invasion of German-occupied Western Europe. 2011 marks the 10th Anniversary of the D-Day Memorial. Take a moment to remember the bravery of soldiers and their ultimate victory on this D-Day Anniversary.

June 6th is National Day in Sweden, commemorating the crowning of Gustav Vasa as King in 1523 and the adoption of a new constitution in 1809. Swedes hold ceremonies welcoming new citizens on this day.

Enjoy a flavorful alternative to apple pie on National Applesauce Cake Day.

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Barefoot Sunday, World Environment Day, Gingerbread Day, more

June 5th, 2011, is Barefoot Sunday, World Environment Day, Children's Awareness Memorial Day, National Cancer Survivors Day, Constitution Day and Father's Day (Denmark), and National Gingerbread Day.

Barefoot Week continues with Barefoot Sunday. On June 5th or any Sunday in June, congregations are invited to hold barefoot worship services and collect funds for Soles4Souls. That organization supplies shoes to needy children around the world.

The theme of World Environment Day 2011 is "Forests: Nature At Your Service," in conjunction with the UN's International Year of Forests. This year's host country is India.

Children's Awareness Memorial Day is a time to remember American children who died violent deaths.

National Cancer Survivors Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday in June. This year is the 24th annual event.

Constitution Day and Father's Day are both celebrated today in Denmark. Their constitution took effect in 1849.

Gingerbread puts me in the mood for Christmas, but for some reason June 5th is National Gingerbread Day. Ho ho ho - merry Gingerbread Day!

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Old Maids Day, The Big Pitch, Talk Radio Day, Audacity to Hope Day, more

June 4th, 2011 is Old Maids Day, The Big Pitch, Talk Radio Day at the United Nations, Audacity to Hope Day, Do-Dah Day, Cheer Coach Day, Drawing Day, Hug Your Cat Day, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, National Trails Day, Barefoot Saturday, Labour Day (Bahamas), and National Frozen Yogurt Day.

Old Maids Day shouldn't have the negative connotation the name implies. It's actually a tradition born in 1946, after World War II. Dances and socials were held to help single ladies whose relationships ended due to war casualty or separation.

The Big Pitch is a focal day of National Camping and Caravanning Week in the UK. Brits are encouraged to sleep under the stars.

Talk Radio Day at the United Nations features broadcasts meant to increase awareness about the inner workings of the UN.

On Audacity to Hope Day, dare to dream. Maybe your dreams will come true. Have the audacity to hope for no more earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

I can't find any definitive info about Do-Dah Day, but it's fun to say and it's apparently a salute to silliness. Just do-dah whatever you want.

Cheer Coach Day is always celebrated on the first Saturday in June. Aren't cheerleaders usually off for summer vacation?

On June 4th, organizers of Drawing Day hope to collect over 1 million drawings from around the world. Submit your artwork over Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or other designated websites.

Today is Hug Your Cat Day. If you don't have a cat, never fear - upcoming weeks will bring other celebrations for dogs, horses, bunnies, lizards, and chocolate.

The United Nations created International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression in 1983, inspired by the plight of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese children. The holiday now acknowledges the suffering of children across the globe.

The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Society.

Barefoot Week continues with Barefoot Saturday. Participating congretations hold worship services sans shoes while collecting money to buy shoes for children around the world.

People in the Bahamas celebrate Labour Day on June 4th, remembering their struggles to achieve fair working conditions as tourism became a major industry.

June 4th is National Frozen Yogurt Day. Enjoy this icy treat that almost tastes like a guilty pleasure.

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Repeat Day, Chimborazo Day, Love Conquers All Day, more

June 3rd, 2011 is Repeat Day, Repeat Day, Chimborazo Day, Love Conquers All Day, Casey at the Bat Day, Barefoot Friday, Jefferson Davis Day, National Donut Day, National Rocky Road Day, and National Chocolate Macaroon Day.

June 3rd is Repeat Day, a great day for compulsive types. You could celebrate with your favorite snack - eat, relax, repeat. Or you could watch Groundhog Day, the ultimate movie tribute to repetition.

June 3rd is Repeat Day, a great day for.... Ooops.

Chimborazo Day celebrates the volcano, Chimborazo, that's the furthest point from the Earth's equator and the Earth's closest point to the moon. (Mount Everest is the tallest point when measured from sea level, but not when measured from the Earth's core. The Earth isn't a perfect sphere - Chimborazo sits on the equatorial bulge in Ecuador.) Dazzle your friends with this Chimborazo trivia today.

If you and your sweetie have survived life's ups and downs, show your appreciation on Love Conquers All Day.

Casey at the Bat Day honors an iconic American poem about baseball, written by Ernest L. Thayer. The poem was first published on this date in 1888.

Barefoot Week continues with Barefoot Friday, when shoes are distributed to the needy in Boston, Massachusetts.

Some in the southern United States celebrate Jefferson Davis Day on June 3rd or the first Monday in June. Jefferson Davis was a leading Confederate during the Civil War, and even became President of the Confederate States of America.

National Donut Day, originally a fundraising holiday for the Salvation Army, is always celebrated on the first Friday in June. You might even score a free donut at participating Dunkin' Donuts!

Today is National Rocky Road Day, not Rocky Road Ice Cream Day. This day honors the combo that makes up rocky road - chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts. There's a culinary trinity for you, every bit as good as the French trinity of onion, celery, and carrot.

Now that you're full of donuts and rocky road, be aware that today is National Chocolate Macaroon Day! Whatcha gonna do? Maybe you can diet tomorrow.

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Yell "FUDGE" at Cobras Day, Whore's Day, Bubba Day, more

June 2nd, 2011 is Yell "FUDGE" at the Cobras in North America Day, International Whore's Day, National Bubba Day, Barefoot Thursday, I Love My Dentist Day, Leave the Office Early Day, American Indian Citizenship Day, and Ascension Day.

Yell "FUDGE" at the Cobras in North America Day s a wacky strategy to keep the cobras away. Apparently it's working. So is my elephant repellent.

Here's an eye-opening holiday for you: International Whore's Day! But the celebration doesn't go the way you might be thinking. International World's Whore Day commemorates a protest in Lyon, France in 1975. Sex workers and other sympathetic women walked with red umbrellas in objection to a police threat to take away the sex workers' children.

National Bubba Day is a time to honor - or pat on the back - anyone named "Bubba." But if your name is Bubba, isn't every day a party?

Barefoot Week continues with Barefoot Thursday. Soles4Souls staff members go barefoot today. They ask members of the press to go barefoot, then report about their comfort level to their audiences. Shoes are distributed to the needy.

Dentistry has come a long way since the days of no anesthesia. These days going to the dentist can be downright relaxing. Thank your dentist on I Love My Dentist Day.

If the weather is lovely where you are, if you yearn to be free, if your job is very secure, celebrate Leave the Office Early Day!

June 2nd is American Indian Citizenship Day, commemorating the date in 1924 when all Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship. Prior to that, only Native American women who married U.S. citizens or Native Americans who fought in World War I had been considered citizens.

Ascension Day, forty days after Easter, honors the day when Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven. Some Catholic dioceses celebrate Ascension Thursday, others choose to celebrate on the following Sunday, six weeks after Easter. As a result, Ascension Day celebrations fall on either June 2nd or June 5th in 2011.

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June 2011 month-long celebrations

June brings warmer weather and a wide array of month-long celebrations. Events are listed alphabetically, with descriptive words such as "National" and "World" omitted.

Aboriginal Awareness Month
Accordion Awareness Month
Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Month
Aphasia Awareness Month 
APS (Antiphospholipid) Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month
Athletic Therapy Month

Audiobook Month

Basketball and Hip-Hop Culture Month
Bathroom Reading Month
Black Music Month
Burglary Prevention Month
Camping Month
Cancer from the Sun Month
Candy Month
Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Cataract Awareness Month
CDC Fruit of the Month - Pluots and Apriums
CDC Vegetable of the Month - Okra
Celibacy Awareness Month
Child Vision Awareness Month
Children's Awareness Month
Congenital CMV (Cytomegalovirus) Awareness Month
Country Cooking Month
Dairy Alternative Month
Dairy Month

Drive Safe Month
Effective Communications Month
Entrepreneur "Do It Yourself" Marketing Month
Fight the Filthy Fly Month
Fireworks Safety Month
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month
Frozen Yogurt Month
Great Outdoors Month
Hernia Awareness Month
Home Safety Month
Iced Tea Month
Lane Courtesy Month
LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Book Month
Mango Month
Men's Health Month
Men's Month
Perennial Gardening Month
Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month
Potty Training Awareness Month
Professional Wellness Month
Rebuild Your Life Month
Recreation Month
Rivers Month
Rose Month
Safety Month
Scleroderma Awareness Month
Seniors Month
Skyscraper Month
Smile Month - May 15th to June 15th

Soul Food Month
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month
Steak Month
Steakhouse Month
Student Safety Month
Surf Music Month
Turkey Lover's Month
Vision Research Month
Women's Golf Month
Zoo and Aquarium Month

If you know of other month-long celebrations that should be included in this list, please provide info in the Comments section below. Happy June!

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June 2011 weeks to celebrate

This month brings a format change to The Holiday Whiz. All weekly celebrations will be featured at the beginning of the month. Lucky you - more time to plan!

Here, then, are the weekly celebrations for June 2011:

Step-Parents Week - first week of June
National Fragrance Week - first week of June
Summertime Safety Week - June 1st to June 4th
Barefoot Week - June 1st to June 6th

International Clothesline Week - June 4th to June 10th
National Fishing and Boating Week - June 4th to June 12th

National Clay Week - second week of June
National Rip Current Awareness Week - June 5th to June 11th
Prevent Overexertion Week - June 5th to June 11th

National Headache Awareness Week - June 5th to June 11th
Summer Safety Week - June 6th to June 12th
National Automotive Service Professionals Week - June 6th to June 12th

Meet a Mate Week - June 6th to June 12th
National Business Etiquette Week - June 6th to June 12th
National Sun Safety Week - June 7th to June 13th
National Tire Safety Week - June 7th to June 13th

Dystonia Awareness Week - June 7th to June 14th
Teen Driving Safety Week - June 12th to June 18th

National Flag Week - June 12th to June 18th
International Men's Health Week - June 13th to June 19th

National Little League Baseball Week - June 13th to June 19th
U.S. Open Golf Championship - June 13th to June 19th
Nursing Assistants Week - June 16th to June 23rd
Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls Week - June 19th to June 25th

Universal Father's Week - June 19th to June 25th
Carpenter Ant Awareness Week - June 19th to June 25th
On the Road, Off the Phone Week - June 26th to June 30th

Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week - June 26th to July 2nd
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week - June 26th to July 2nd

Watermelon Seed Spitting Week - last week of June
National Camping Week - last week of June
National Prevention of Eye Injuries Awareness Week - June 27th to July 4th

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Go Barefoot Day, Flip a Coin Day, Say Something Nice Day, Madaraka Day, more

June 1st, 2011, is National Go Barefoot Day, Flip a Coin Day, Pen Pal Day, Say Something Nice Day, Dare Day, Heimlich Maneuver Day, National Running Day, Madaraka Day, Stand for Children Day, International Children's Day, National Tailors Day, and National Hazelnut Cake Day.

National Go Barefoot Day, June 1st, kicks off Barefoot Week. The event is sponsored by Soles4Souls, which collects donations and distributes shoes to those in need.

Heads for yes, tails for no - will you celebrate Flip a Coin Day?

Pen Pal Day honors a somewhat old-fashioned hobby. Are Facebook friends the modern version of pen pals? How about Twitter followers?

You know, you have beautiful eyes. And you're so loyal - visiting my blogs day after day! Share some compliments on Say Something Nice Day.

Today is Dare Day, not D.A.R.E. Day. Dare to do something exiting, like disconnect from technology and explore reality!

Do you know how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver? Learn the technique online or in a class, just in case someone you care about starts to choke. You could save a life! Happy Heimlich Maneuver Day.

Whether you're a marathoner or someone thinking about adding a bit of activity to your day, grab your running shoes. Take part in National Running Day.

On June 1st Kenya celebrates Madaraka Day, the anniversary of the country's independence in 1963.

International Children's Day flag.

Stand for Children Day is a time to think about children in the world who lack basic needs, including safety, medical care, and education.

International Children's Day originated in 1925 in Geneva. Today the date is celebrated with festivals in many countries.


On National Tailors Day, give an extra tip to the person who hems your pantlegs and takes in your waistbands.

Today's foodie celebration is National Hazelnut Cake Day. Bake or buy - the choice is yours - or just schmeer some Nutella on any old cake!

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