Did you know that there are an abundance of daily holidays and special days every month? Some are immersed in tradition, while others may be silly, bizarre, unique, special or inspirational. Unofficial Holidays are not traditionally marked on calendars but are celebrated by various groups and individuals. Some are designed to promote a cause or to recognize historical events not recognized officially, while others are fun holidays, generally intended to just be humorous. So, in the midst of our busy lives, maybe consider taking time to enjoy some of the entertaining but lesser-known holidays throughout the year, as found on www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun.
The month of May is well known for its flowers (after our April showers) as well as Mother’s Day and the ever-popular Cinco de Mayo. However, if you are looking for additional yet non-traditional fun days to celebrate – allow us introduce you to a few lesser-known May holidays.
Let’s begin in a galaxy far, far way, where fans across the globe celebrate Star Wars day every May 4. Did you know this day came about quite by accident? As legend has it, in 2005 a German television news channel incorrectly translated this famous Star Wars quote. “May the force be with you,” was mistakenly interpreted in German as “We are with you on May 4th.” In honor of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Hans Solo and Yoda, grab a bag of popcorn and watch the original Star Wars movie that was released in May 1977. If the force is strong within you, host a Star Wars party and serve Darth Vader Taters, Yoda Soda in Hans Solo Cups, Jabba the Hummus, Wookie Cookies and Princess Leia Cinnamon Buns. Party ideas you need? Visit www.forkly.com/food/10-unbelievable-star-wars-party-foods/.
After your Star Wars festivities, how about commemorating National Train Day on Saturday May 12? In 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads were laying train tracks across the American frontier, for what would soon become the first Transcontinental rail line.
Construction was grueling, as much of the wild, wild west was unchartered territory. In May 1869 the tracks of the two railroad companies met up at Promontory Summit, Utah and a golden spike was driven into the final track. The first Transcontinental rail line was 1,776 miles long and ran from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It took a mere 83 hours of travel time from New York City to San Francisco. At the time, it was inconceivable that people could travel across the entire nation in less than four days.
To honor this remarkable achievement, consider a visit to the Florida Railroad Museum located a few miles south of Sun City Center at 12210 83rd St. E. in Parrish. Throughout the year, the Museum also schedules special event weekends that couple exciting themes with a ride on the train, including a train robbery, World War II re-enactment and a trip to the North Pole. For more information visit www.frrm.org.
What do people do after a fun day of riding trains? They eat chocolate chip cookies, of course! Tuesday, May 15 is National Chocolate Chip Day where sweet-tooth enthusiasts can enjoy the little, tasty chocolate chips that make cookies, pancakes, trail mix and muffins even yummier.
There is no shortage of recipes for the cherished chocolate chip. For those who can’t control themselves from stealing chocolate chip cookie dough balls from the cookie sheet, Eddie Bull’s Cookie Dough can satisfy your sweet-tooth without worry. It’s almost impossi-BULL to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies without wanting to taste the batter! Visit Eddie Bull’s Cookie Dough Company at Collins Produce located at 2810 S.R. 60 in Valrico or order online at www.eddiebullscookiedough.com.
If you like big buns and you cannot lie, then National Hamburger on May 28 is your day. ‘Lettuce’ celebrate by treating ourselves to the delicious and most iconic American food. After all, what would a Memorial Day or Forth of July grill-out be without the very American hamburger? It is only appropriate that we have a special day to celebrate our beloved burgers. Do you prefer a cheeseburger in paradise?
I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french-fried potatoes. So does Jimmy Buffet.
If you don’t want to get stuck in ‘burgatory,’ take the family to celebrate National Hamburger day at one of the many fabulous restaurants in our community including, but not limited to: Chicago’s Best Burgers located at 1925a W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, Square 1 located at 2042 Badlands Dr. in Brandon, and Wayback Burgers located at 5672 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia.
If you are still searching for something to celebrate in May, check out these other fun days:
May 5 – National Oyster Day
May 9 – Lost Sock Memorial Day
May 14 – Dance Like A Chicken Day
May 16 – National Sea Monkey Day
May 27 National Sunscreen Day
