We just celebrated Memorial Day and my family is already making plans for the Fourth of July holiday. June feels like it doesn’t have many holidays to celebrate though. Good news! You’re wrong about that. They may not be as traditional as Memorial Day, but they can be just as fun if you celebrate right!
Unique observances coming in June
The Summer Solstice is just around the corner. June 20 begins the official start of summer – and it is the longest day of the year. But, you don’t have to wait for the official summer season to start enjoying it. From Oscar the Grouch Day to National Sewing Machine Day to National Pink Day, June is full of fun days!
Eating your way through June
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is June 9. My mom had a fantastic recipe that we always looked forward to. Her number one trick to making this delicious pie? Use fresh strawberries and rhubarb and buy a premade pie crust.
“Though many think that Indiana has nothing but cornfields as far as the eye can see, we are actually fifth in U.S. corn production,” Nagle said. “However, Indiana sweet corn is one of the best things you can eat in the summer.”
And what better time to eat it than on June 11 to celebrate Corn on the Cob Day? Whether you roast, boil, grill or microwave it, Indiana sweet corn is a key taste of summer.
Most farmers markets and roadside stands open for the summer in early June. Indiana Farm Bureau provides a list of member farmers markets that you can explore to find one close to you. The USDA has a list of what produce is in season, but there are still vegetables you can eat all year long. Plan ahead so you have plenty of tasty, fresh vegetables to celebrate National Eat Your Veggies Day on June 17.
Summer outdoor events
The weather is finally consistently warm, and June is a great time to enjoy it. Now we get to move the celebrations outside! June is National Oceans, Rivers and Camping Month, so plan to get outside.
Looking for other fun ways to celebrate outdoors? Hop on your bicycle June 3 to enjoy World Bicycle Day or watch a movie under the stars during National Drive-In Movie Day on June 6. Find time for some yardwork on June 13 on National Weed Your Garden Day or get your cameras ready and pick up a new hobby on Nature Photography Day on June 15.
Make all the yummy recipes you’ve found so far, choose beverages and pack the perfect picnic on June 18 to toast International Picnic Day. Don’t forget your blanket, dishes and cooler or your sunscreen. Sunscreen is crucial because summer safety is important. Here are some top health and safety tips for summer and for those days spent out in the sun.
As you are applying sunscreen and donning your sun hat, don’t forget the importance of protecting your eyes. Purchase a good pair of sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays and be sure to model them on June 27, National Sunglasses Day.
With all these fun holidays, maybe it’s a good thing June doesn’t have a formal holiday. Where would we find the time to observe it?
Summer is also one of the best times to work on improving your mental health. Here are 15 tips to improve your mental health that you can use this summer and all year long. Here’s to safe and fun summer celebrations!