Life

10 Unusual August Holidays Worth Noting

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Here’s a list of 10 unusual, unofficial August holidays that you’ve probably never heard of, but you might consider ‘celebrating.’

If you’re like me, it’s hard to believe it’s already the end of July.

And if you’re like me, you’re ready for cooler weather. Officially, July is the hottest month of the year, so I suppose that in terms of temperature, it only gets better from here.

Check out these 10 dates and mark them on your calendar.

1. Aug. 1 – World Lung Cancer Day

Journalist Jim Vance, who spent 48 years at NBC affiliate WRC in Washington, D.C., died recently of lung cancer.

The latest research from the American Cancer Society estimates lung cancer will account for the second highest number of new cancer cases in 2017, but will count for the most number of deaths.

This day encourages everyone to take a moment to check their own risks and consider scheduling a checkup.

2. Aug. 2 – Ice Cream Sandwich Day

No one is sure where this day originated, but if it was the work of a dairy, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised. If you need suggestions for ways to celebrate this day, you probably need a bit more sleep.

3. Aug. 10 – Lazy Day

DaysOfTheYear.com says this is the kind of day you can celebrate without getting up from the sofa. That is definitely my kind of day.

4. Aug. 12 – Garage Sale Day

GarageSaleCow.com tells us the first garage sales were actually rummage sales held at docks to get rid of miscellaneous cargo stashed in the hold of a ship. By the 1980s, rummage sales were being held at communal locations like parks and churches. Though modern garage sales started popping up at homes more often after World War II, they really gained popularity in the 1970s.

The site estimates the popular activity could account for $2 billion in sales annually.

Celebrate the day by checking out garage and rummage sales in your area.

5. Aug. 13 – International Left-handers Day

My mom, who is left-handed, would insist that I point this out. She would likely also want me to point out that since the hemispheres of the brain control opposite sides of the body, it’s the left-handed people who are “in their right mind.”

6. Aug. 15 – Check the Chip Day

For dog lovers who’ve had their dogs microchipped, it’s a good time to take your dog by your vet just to make sure the chip is scanned and the correct information appears.

7. Aug. 17 – Get Smart About Credit Day

Though “National Get Smart About Credit Day”&nbsp is held on the third Thursday of October, this version (minus the National part), is celebrated in August. At the very least, it’s a good time to check your credit score and look for ways to improve it.

8. Aug. 19 – Photography Day

Celebrating Photography Day is simple: get out of the house and take a photo of something. Post it on social media…like Instagram, so the rest of us can see your efforts.

9. Aug. 21 – Poet’s Day

A great way to celebrate Poet’s Day is to enjoy a bit of poetry. If you’re looking for something a little offbeat, you could always look up one of my favorites, “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service.

10. Aug. 26 – Dog Day

There’s nothing like the love of a good dog. I celebrate this one every day, but it’s always a good occasion to throw the ball a few extra times or bring home an extra treat for your four-legged companion.

That’s my list of unofficial August holidays.

Which of these look the most interesting to you?

the authorPatrick
Patrick is a Christian with more than 30 years experience in professional writing, producing and marketing. His professional background also includes social media, reporting for broadcast television and the web, directing, videography and photography. He enjoys getting to know people over coffee and spending time with his dog.