American Indian Day - This is a day that was declared by the Governor of New York in 1916 after Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Native, lobbied for the day by riding his horse from state to state. The Governor set the day to be celebrated on the second Saturday of May every year. However, not every state makes the same decision and some of the others that proclaimed a special day for the Native Americans set it for the 4th Friday in September.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day - We have all been hearing about how important it is to be prepared for a disaster, whether that comes in the form of a hurricane, tornado, flood, snowpocolypse, or whatever. But you might not have thought about your pets. While you are creating a plan for the survival of the humans in your household, make a plan for your pets as well. They are depending on you.
National Archery Day - Celebrated on the 2nd Saturday in May, this is a day to practice your archery skills. I’m sure you remember how. Didn’t you learn in high school gym class like I did? Well, maybe if you are my age you did. If you are any younger maybe not, they tend to steer kids away from sharp pointy objects that fly through the air and strike targets. That’s too bad because archery is is increasing in popularity for hunters and for competitive sports.
Bladder Cancer Awareness Day – This day is meant to spread awareness of the symptoms of bladder cancer and promote research to find a cure. There are Bladder Cancer walks scheduled for today in at least 32 states. I did find a couple of website that put this day on May 7th, but this website seemed a little bit more credible to me.
Dance Like A Chicken Day – You all know the Chicken Dance, I'm sure. Well, loosen up your elbows because today you'll be dancing like a chicken all day long. Then you’ll get the song stuck in your head so you’ll be dancing like a chicken in your dreams all night long as well.
National Buttermilk Biscuit Day – Yum, these are my favorite biscuits. Flaky, buttery, deliciousness would be a great addition to dinner this evening.
The Stars And Stripes Forever Day – On this day in 1897, John Philip Sousa first performed “The Stars and Stripes Forever” which he had written on Christmas Day a few months before. Later that year the United States Congress made the song the official National March of the USA. This is a day to revel in a spirit of nationality. Let our stars and stripes fly forever.
Underground America Day – Created in 1974 by Malcolm Wells, this is a day to think about the ground. It may surprise you to know that many people live within it instead of on it like the rest of us and it is definitely something to consider if you find yourself thinking that you would really like to have more grass to mow and more room to plant a vegetable garden surrounded by flowers. Mr. Wells has some creative celebration ideas you may like to consider at this website.
National Miniature Golf Day - Celebrated on the second Saturday in May, this is a day to celebrate an enjoyable and entertaining game that has been around since somewhere in the 1800s. I have seen a claim that it began in Scotland as a game for women since women were not allowed to play golf.
Stay Up All Night Night – Do you remember how exciting it was to stay up all night when you were a child? Well, today...or rather, tonight....you get to relive that thrill. The second Saturday in May is a night to stay up all night doing things that you don't usually have time to do. What will you do with all this extra time? Chores, visiting with friends who are celebrating with you, and watching movies are all good ideas. Do you have others? I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it. I recall the last time I stayed up all night. It was about four or five years ago when I had dueling sick children who took turns throwing up all night long. One was upstairs and one was down. I spent the night running back and forth up and down those stairs from one child to the other. At 7 am they finally finished and I crawled into bed feeling half dead. Not a circumstance I would care to repeat...ever. I just don’t think I’m cut out for staying up all night.
International Migratory Bird Day – Created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and celebrated on the 2nd Saturday in May, this is a day to learn about the nearly 350 species of birds that migrate every year. They nest in North America, and fly south to warmer climates when their breeding grounds in the north get cold. Different areas may celebrate at different times depending on when migratory birds are expected to pass through their area.
Letter Carrier's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day – Every year on the second Saturday in May, mail carriers collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries. So fill a bag and hang it on your mailbox because they will be there soon.
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day – Celebrated is probably not the right word for this day so I’ll say that it is observed on the second Saturday in May. This syndrome is a genetic disorder that is present at birth although it is not always diagnosed that early. There are physical characteristics associated with it like some other syndromes and there are common medical issues that most people with the disorder suffer such as heart defects, seizures and vision problems among others. This is a day to spread awareness of the disease that 1 in 10,000 children are born with.
World Fair Trade Day – Celebrated on the second Saturday in May, this is a day to promote fair trade and work toward trade justice for everyone. The theme that began last year and lasts until 2017 is, “Be an Agent for Change.”
World Belly Dance Day – This is yet another second Saturday of May celebration. Boy there sure are a lot of things to celebrate today. This day celebrates the art of belly dancing. It is an art form as well as an excellent exercise program, in my opinion. Frankly, I don't know how they move like that. I have a friend who takes belly dancing lessons and loves it, so if you’re interested in learning how, this is a great day to find a class and give it a try.
National Train Day – On May 1st, 1971, Amtrak first went into service. They began this holiday in 2008 to promote the advantages of rail travel and the history of trains in this country. This will be the 8th year of celebration for trains. This has been such a big event for Amtrak that they have decided to make it Amtrak Train Days this year to celebrate why trains matter and why people ride trains as often as they do. There will be several events over the course of the year celebrating this idea and they will begin today at Chicago Union Station and will travel to 20 locations between now and October. This day is celebrated on the Saturday closest to May 10th which is the anniversary of the day that the Golden Spike was pounded in Promontory, Utah signifying the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.
International Astronomy Day – This day was begun in 1973 by Doug Berger, President of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. The original plan was to set up telescopes in urban locations so people who did not normally get to spend much time looking at the stars could do so on this special day. This day is now sponsored by a variety of astronomical groups and is a day for interaction between regular people and astronomy enthusiasts.
National Mill Day - In Holland, the second weekend in May is a day to celebrate their windmills and watermills, of which they have quite a few. In fact, 950 of them will be opening their doors to visitors this weekend so that people can see what they do. Many of them will have planned activities for children and their families.
Do Dah Day - On a day way back in 1979 in Birmingham, or so I am led to believe, a bunch of friends decided to have a party and over the years turned it into a fund raising event for local charities involving animals. More and more Do Dah volunteers joined the effort and it has become a festival with a parade.
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