August 30 - National Toasted Marshmallow Day

Happy National Toasted Marshmallow Day! On August 30, today celebrates one of America’s favorite fire-roasted treats. Be sure to stock up on marshmallows so you can celebrate! 

  

Get your friends together and gather up some firewood. Grab a few long sticks and a bag of marshmallows. Afterwards, make plans for a great night!  

  

Toasted marshmallows are a special part of summer evenings around a bonfire. Also, what better way to kick off a long weekend than to enjoy a delicious, warm, gooey, toasted marshmallow? Add a pair of graham crackers and a chocolate bar – and ask for s’more! 

  

When is National Rocky Road Day? 

  

Depending upon personal preference, heat marshmallows to various degrees. Some like them gently toasted. Others look for a charred outer layer.  

  

Charring a marshmallow is simple. Hold it in the flame until the sugar catches fire. Then, carefully blow it out. It’s important not to wave it around as you’ll only fan the flames.  

  

Marshmallows also come in a variety of flavors and sizes for maximum toasting opportunities. 

For a fun alternative, try roasting Marshmallow Peeps®. Watch them closely as the granular sugar coating will burn more quickly. 

  

Believe it or not, marshmallows date back to Ancient Egypt. The mallow plant provided a sap the Egyptians used to create a candy with nuts and honey. 

  

Ligonier, Indiana holds an annual Marshmallow Festival. It is also the marshmallow capital of the world. How sweet is that? 

Homemade marshmallows use sugar, unflavored gelatin, corn syrup, and flavoring. 

  

HOW TO OBSERVE 

  

Toast up some marshmallows and enjoy. Have a marshmallow toasting competition. Who makes the best-toasted marshmallows in your circle of friends? Share recipes for homemade marshmallows or s’mores combinations as well. 

  

Share your best marshmallow toasting techniques and use #ToastedMarshmallowDay to post on social media. 

  

While you’re enjoying a freshly toasted marshmallow, download this camp fire-themed coloring page perfect for the day! When you are finished, show National Day Calendar® your masterpiece! 

  

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HISTORY 

  

The National Confectioners Association sponsors National Toasted Marshmallow Day. 

  

#ToastedMarshmallowDay 

@jetpuffed 

@PeepsBrand 

@NationalConfectionersAssociationOrganization 

@JellyBellyUSA 

@LigonierMarshmallowFestival 

@Foodimentary 

@nichecinema

August 30 - National Beach Day

Happy National Beach Day! On August 30, today celebrates any and all of the sandy beaches across the nation.  

It also provides an opportunity to help keep those relaxing places clean, so we can continue to enjoy them long into the future. 

Whether we spend time on beaches oceanside, at a lake or river, they provide recreation all summer long. Swimming, water sports, and sunbathing are just a few of the relaxing things that come to mind.  

We also enjoy playing Frisbee, volleyball and long walks. Floating along in the surf on a hot summer day with friends creates summer memories we remember for years to come. 

Sometimes, just packing a few icy beverages and a good book is enough to make a beach day perfect. However, we are responsible for caring for the beach as well. 

Not only should we pack out what we pack in, but it’s necessary to follow the beach rules, also. Safety and fun go hand in hand. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

When it comes to swimming at the beach, the American Red Cross provides excellent tips. 

1. Swim with a lifeguard present and only in designated areas. 
2. Go with a buddy. Never swim alone. 
3. Watch for currents, moving water, and riptides. These occur in oceans, lakes, and rivers. 
4. Swim within your depth. Don’t swim longer than you are physically capable of doing. 
5. Take swimming lessons. 
6. Learn CPR. 

Organize a group to clean up your favorite beach. Since it’s near the end of the season, your beach will appreciate it. Find out what the facility needs.  

Take up donations for supplies to keep the beach even cleaner next year. Donate garbage and recycling cans for your beach. Attend a seminar on water pollution and how to prevent it. 

Share pictures of your favorite beach while enjoying the last days of summer! 

Use #NationalBeachDay to share on social media. 

HISTORY 

In 1929, the Knights of Columbus out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin launched a National Beach Day as part of their convention plans. However, it never took root. 

In 2014, American author, photographer, former medic, animal rescuer and pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, created National Beach Day to celebrate beaches and the importance of keeping them clean. 

What is your favorite beach? 

#NationalBeahcDay 

#LifeIsABeach

@redcross 

@colleen_paige 

@KnightsofColumbus 

@nichecinema