June 17 is packed with quirky celebrations perfect for spicing up mid-June. Here are five national days happening right now, plus their backstories, modern relevance, and simple ways to join the fun.
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National Eat Your Vegetables Day – June 17
• History: Launched in the early 1990s by nutrition advocates to boost produce consumption amid rising fast-food culture.
• Modern relevance: Plant-forward eating supports personal health and reduces environmental impact.
• How to celebrate:
– Add a rainbow salad to lunch.
– Visit a farmers market and try a new seasonal veggie.
– Share a veggie recipe reel on social media with #EatYourVegetablesDay. -
National Apple Strudel Day – June 17
• History: Honors the classic Viennese pastry introduced to the United States by Austrian immigrants in the late 1800s.
• Modern relevance: Showcases culinary heritage and the enduring popularity of comfort desserts.
• How to celebrate:
– Bake a traditional strudel or pick one up from a local bakery.
– Host a pastry-pairing coffee break at work.
– Post your flaky masterpiece on Instagram and tag your favorite bakery. -
National Global Garbage Man Day – June 17
• History: Started in 2011 by John Arwood to recognize sanitation workers and promote waste-management awareness.
• Modern relevance: Highlights frontline workers who keep cities clean and underscores the importance of responsible trash disposal.
• How to celebrate:
– Leave a thank-you note and cold drink for your sanitation crew.
– Organize a neighborhood litter pickup.
– Share recycling tips using #GarbageManDay. -
National Mascot Day – June 17
• History: Originated in the 1990s when sports marketers created the day to celebrate costumed characters that drive team spirit.
• Modern relevance: Mascots boost fan engagement, brand identity, and community pride beyond sports arenas.
• How to celebrate:
– Wear your team’s colors to work.
– Re-watch iconic mascot moments on YouTube.
– Invite a local school or minor-league mascot to a community event. -
National Stewart’s Root Beer Day – June 17
• History: Commemorates the founding of Stewart’s Restaurants in 1924, famous for frosty mugs of small-batch root beer.
• Modern relevance: Celebrates classic drive-in culture and the craft soda revival.
• How to celebrate:
– Grab a Stewart’s Root Beer and host a backyard float bar.
– Compare craft sodas in a blind taste test.
– Snap a retro-themed photo with glass bottles and share online.
