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NATIONAL ARIZONA DAY

We recognize National Arizona Day on June 21 as the 48th state to joined. Our National Arizona Day should not be confused with Arizona Statehood Day on February 14. This state celebration is an additional day to recognize Arizona as the “Grand Canyon State” and the natural wonder and amazing abundance the state has to offer.

SUMMER BEGINS | SUMMER SOLSTICE

Summer Begins in the Northern Hemisphere on the longest day of the year. Also known as the Summer Solstice, this date officially celebrates a time of year when the sun is warm and the outdoors is the place to be.

The Summer Solstice is when the Earth’s axis is pointed toward the sun. It’s rays more directly impact the Northern Hemisphere giving us more daylight and more warmth. It’s a time when plants grow rapidly and animals are more active. That includes humans.

Many schools are out of session during the summer, which gives families the opportunity to take vacations. Even those without children take time to explore the outdoors through camping, hiking, and biking. Community pools open, inviting everyone to cool off on hot summer days. The beaches are open, too. Water adventures in the form of kayaking, canoeing, skiing, and fishing entice us to the rivers and lakes.

Gardner’s and farmers spend time cultivating their bounty and watching the skies for foul weather. And speaking of fouls – baseball, softball, and soccer teams take the field with cheering fans in every color of the rainbow.

There’s so much to do during the summer, we try to pack it all in over weekends and short breaks. But it never seems to be enough time. Before we know it, summer is over. Though, it’s only just begun.

NATIONAL DAYLIGHT APPRECIATION DAY

National Daylight Appreciation Day on June 21 recognizes the summer solstice (the longest day of daylight in the northern hemisphere) and encourages people to celebrate the many benefits of the sun.

NATIONAL PEACHES ‘N’ CREAM DAY

Observed annually on June 21, National Peaches ‘n’ Cream Day recognizes a sweet way to eat ripened peaches. It’s also a perfect way to begin and end the summer solstice.

Peaches’ n’ Cream is a simple, traditional, and delicious summertime dessert. Of course, the Georgia peach is in season during the month of June, as are those grown in Florida, California, and South Carolina. Make some homemade vanilla ice cream to sweeten the deal, and your peaches’ n’ cream will be all the cooler.

GO SKATEBOARDING DAY

Inspired skaters carve a space on their calendar on June 21 each year for Go Skateboarding Day! A combination of athleticism, dance, and art, skateboarding has grown up in an urban world.

NATIONAL SMOOTHIE DAY

Capitalizing on the bountiful fruits and vegetables available this time of year, National Smoothie Day on June 21 celebrates the refreshing beverage brought to you by the blender.

Using fresh ingredients, whole grains and punches of flavor, smoothies transform our fruits and veggies into a delightfully cool drink. Some smoothies incorporate herbs and spices, punching up the flavor level. The base ingredients include milk, yogurt, juice, and a blend of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in a variety of combinations. How can something so simple be so refreshingly delicious?

ANNE AND SAMANTHA DAY

Celebrated bi-annually on the summer solstice and the winter solstice, Anne and Samantha Day honors two young women, Anne Frank and Samantha Smith, and the impact they had on the world.

Anne Frank and Samantha Smith left their mark on the world during two different times periods–WWII and the Cold War. Despite the fact that their lives were different, both Anne and Samantha wanted to live in a world filled with peace and hope.

NATIONAL SELFIE DAY

Thanks to social media and the smartphone, June 21 celebrates National Selfie Day to recognize the form of self-portraits shared across the world wide web. Today we encourage everyone to take creative, but appropriate, selfies and share them on social media.

NATIONAL TURKEY LOVERS’ DAY

National Turkey Lovers’ Day on the third Sunday in June asks us to make room for turkey on the menu this summer. Turkey adds to the fast and fresh convenience for consumers who love the option for its healthy lean protein and tasty flavor.

NATIONAL WAGYU DAY

National Wagyu Day on June 21 celebrates the delicacy of Wagyu and spreads awareness about the rigorous authentication process taken for Wagyu. For an entire day, we are celebrating alongside steak and beef enthusiasts, plus encouraging everyone to experience the delicious taste of the finest beef in the world.

NATIONAL DAY OF THE GONG

National Day of the Gong on June 21 honors the gong’s unique history among instruments of sound, creativity, and healing.

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June to honor the role fathers play in the family structure and society. This day recognizes not just fathers, but the father figures in our lives.

Many families dedicate the day to their fathers and grandfathers. These are the men we look up to who set solid examples for us and guide us throughout our lives. Whether they are first-time fathers just learning to change a diaper, or experienced fathers offering sage advice, the day celebrates everything a father is. Fathers from family to family play a variety of roles. They may be a caregiver, provider, or advisor. Some fathers are the strong, silent types. And yet others tell us stories for days. Fathers teach, guiding small hands as they hammer a nail or sail a kite.

We only look up to our fathers for so long. At some point, we begin to see things a little differently. But that’s not when we stop looking up to them. It’s at that point, we turn and look forward together.

NATIONAL SEASHELL DAY

June 21 is the first day of summer and National Seashell Day reminds us to put our toes in the sand and admire the beauty of seashells. National Seashell Day is here to tell you all sea shellers and make sure you check out your local beaches during the prime shelling season.