Summer Celebrations

July is almost here and Americans will soon be celebrating their most popular summer holiday, the Fourth of July, or Independence Day. Fondly referred to as the birthday of the United States, the Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration declared freedom from British rule for the 13 American colonies. The Declaration was not completely signed until August, 1776, but July 4th was adopted as the official anniversary date of American independence, with the first celebration taking place on July 4, 1777. Since the early 1800s, Americans have enjoyed their favorite holiday traditions of fireworks, parades and picnics on Independence Day. All over the United States, the red, white and blue of the American flag, and stars and stripes can be seen decorating everything from plates, tablecloths, banners, and balloons, to clothing, and jewelry.

Neighborhood Girl ACEO Number 23: American Girl

from Sixsisters













Patriotic Flower Focal
from Zuda Gay















Red, White and Blue Heart Pin in Polymer Clay
from Artsy Clay

American Flag Patriotic Half Circle Window Cling Suncatcher
from Clinging Images







Fourth of July Stemless Wine Glasses
from Glitz N Glass











Stars in the Sky ACEO/Sun Catcher
from Designs by Christine








But did you know that July was chock full of other, lesser-known, and somewhat unusual holidays? According to Holiday Insights, almost every day of the month offers something to celebrate. It seems July is sometimes known as National Blueberry Month, National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month, National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, and National Anti-Boredom Month!

Many of the holidays are related to food:

July 1 - Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
July 6 - National Fried Chicken Day
July 7 - National Strawberry Sundae Day
July 7 - Chocolate Day
July 9 - National Sugar Cookie Day
July 12 - Pecan Pie Day
July 15 - Tapioca Pudding Day
July 17 - Peach Ice Cream Day
July 18 - National Caviar Day
July 19 - National Ice Cream Day
July 19 - National Raspberry Cake Day
July 21 - National Junk Food Day
July 23 - National Hot Dog Day
July 23 - Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 28 - National Milk Chocolate Day
July 29 - National Lasagna Day
July 30 - National Cheesecake Day

Chocolatina Time Clock

by Imotime

Though these "holidays" may not be entirely official or universally confirmed (most have cloudy origins), it is still fun to think about ways to spark up the dog days of summer with entertaining, celebratory activities. So break out of National Anti-boredom Month by doing something special for...

July 10, Teddy Bear Picnic Day

Hand Needle Felted Brownie Bear
from Felt 4 Ewe

July 15, Cow Appreciation Day

Happy Holstein
from Luke18

July 20, Moon Day

African Moon Necklace
from Rosegardenfae

July 2, World UFO Day

Whoa...Spaceships, Quilted Fabric Postcard
from Attack of the Vintage

July 25, Threading the Needle Day

Dragonfly Summer Felted Needle Book
from JN Originals

July 11, Cheer Up the Lonely Day

Summer Original Mixed Media Painting of Sunflower
from Yankeegirl's Watercolors










No matter how you decide to spice up the summer, BBEST wishes you lots of fun and memorable times spent with friends and family!