BLOG

National Ice Cream Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday of July, is a sweet and delicious holiday dedicated to one of America’s favorite desserts—ice cream. Whether you enjoy it in a cone, cup, sundae, or milkshake, ice cream is a treat that has been enjoyed by generations of people, offering endless flavors and combinations. On National Ice Cream Day, people come together to indulge in this frozen dessert, celebrate its rich history, and explore the many creative ways to enjoy it. 

The History of National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day was established by former President Ronald Reagan in 1984. During that year, he signed a proclamation declaring July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. The day was created to honor the importance of ice cream in American culture and its popularity as a beloved dessert. Reagan was a fan of ice cream and even enjoyed a bowl of vanilla ice cream as his go-to treat.

The history of ice cream dates back much further, with early versions of frozen desserts enjoyed by ancient civilizations like the Romans and Chinese. However, the modern ice cream, made from dairy, sugar, and flavorings, was refined in the 18th and 19th centuries. It became a staple in America after being brought over by European settlers and gaining popularity among the American public.

Why National Ice Cream Day is Important

National Ice Cream Day is more than just an opportunity to indulge in a tasty treat—it’s a celebration of ice cream’s cultural and historical significance. Here’s why the day is important:

1. Celebrating a Cultural Icon: Ice cream is an iconic American dessert ingrained in the country’s food culture. From ice cream parlors to family gatherings and summer barbecues, ice cream is a treat that brings people together. National Ice Cream Day is a way to celebrate this beloved dessert and acknowledge its place in American culinary traditions.
2. Supporting Local Businesses: Ice cream shops, parlors, and vendors are important in local economies. By celebrating National Ice Cream Day, you’re supporting small businesses that create unique, handmade ice cream and offer a variety of flavors to satisfy every taste. It’s a day to celebrate the artisans who craft and serve these delicious frozen desserts.
3. Encouraging Creativity and Fun: Ice cream offers endless possibilities regarding flavors, toppings, and combinations. National Ice Cream Day encourages people to experiment with different flavors, create custom sundaes, and explore fun ways to enjoy this treat. It’s a day to embrace your creativity and indulge in the world of ice cream in all its forms.
4. A Day of Indulgence and Joy: Life can be stressful, but National Ice Cream Day provides a simple and joyful excuse to treat yourself to a sweet, comforting dessert. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, fruit fan, or adventurous enough to try unique flavors, National Ice Cream Day is about enjoying a little bit of happiness in a cone or bowl.

How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day is as easy as enjoying a scoop (or two!) of your favorite ice cream. But if you’re looking for creative ways to make the day extra special, here are some fun ideas to help you celebrate:

1. Visit Your Favorite Ice Cream Shop: The best way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day is by visiting a local ice cream shop or parlor. Many shops offer special promotions, discounts, or new flavor releases on this day. Whether you enjoy a classic cone, a decadent sundae, or a fancy milkshake, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to a delicious ice cream creation.
2. Make Homemade Ice Cream: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own ice cream at home. You can create a variety of flavors, from chocolate and vanilla to more creative combinations like mint chocolate chip, cookies, and cream, or salted caramel. There are no limits to what you can make, and homemade ice cream is a fun way to experiment with ingredients and enjoy fresh, homemade treats.
3. Host an Ice Cream Party: Gather friends and family for an ice cream party! Set up a sundae bar with a variety of ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces. Offer fun add-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, marshmallows, fruit, and whipped cream so everyone can customize their sundaes. You can also have a milkshake-making station for those who prefer blended ice cream drinks.
4. Try Unique Ice Cream Flavors: National Ice Cream Day is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try some unique flavors. Explore options like lavender honey, matcha green tea, charcoal coconut, or saffron pistachio. Many ice cream shops offer limited-edition or seasonal flavors, making the celebration even more exciting.
5. Support Dairy-Free or Vegan Ice Cream: For those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for dairy-free options, many ice cream shops now offer plant-based alternatives made from almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day by exploring these delicious alternatives and finding your new favorite flavor.
6. Share Ice Cream on Social Media: Take a picture of your ice cream creation and share it on social media to join the global celebration of National Ice Cream Day. Use hashtags like #NationalIceCreamDay or #IceCreamLovers to connect with other ice cream fans and showcase your favorite flavors.
7. Give Back with Ice Cream: Some ice cream shops partner with charitable organizations and donate a portion of their National Ice Cream Day sales to various causes. Consider supporting these shops to enjoy your ice cream while contributing to a good cause. It’s a great way to enjoy a treat while giving back to the community.

Fun Ice Cream Facts and Trivia

To make your National Ice Cream Day celebration even more enjoyable, here are some fun facts about this frozen treat:

Ice Cream Sundaes Were Invented to Circumvent Blue Laws. In the early 1900s, laws prohibited the sale of sodas on Sundays, so ice cream sundaes were invented to offer a delicious dessert without soda.

Americans Eat Over 20 Pounds of Ice Cream Per Person Each Year: Americans are some of the biggest ice cream consumers in the world, with an average consumption of over 20 pounds per person annually.

The Ice Cream Cone Was Invented in 1904: The ice cream cone became popular at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. It was introduced by a Syrian immigrant, Ernest Hamwi, who rolled up waffles to create a cone shape to hold ice cream.

The Most Popular Ice Cream Flavor: According to surveys, vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor in the United States, followed by chocolate, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip.

Ice Cream Was First Made in Ancient China: The Chinese made the earliest forms of ice cream around 200 BC, using ice and milk to create a frozen dessert.

#HASHTAGS

#NationalIceCreamDay

National Ice Cream Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July

Take Your Poet to Work Day is an annual event celebrated on the third Wednesday of July, where poetry enthusiasts and fans of literature select a famous poet to take along with them to their workplace.

#HASHTAGS

#TakeYourPoetToWorkDay

Take Your Poet To Work Day is celebrated annually on the third Wednesday of July.

National System Administrator Appreciation Day is celebrated on the last Friday in July each year and is a day to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of system administrators who keep computer networks and systems running smoothly.

#HASHTAGS

#NationalSystemAdministratorAppreciationDay

National System Administrator Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in July

International Skinny Dip Day is an annual event celebrated on the second Saturday of July, dedicated to promoting body positivity and shedding inhibitions by encouraging people to get naked and take a dip together in a body of water.

#HASHTAGS

#InternationalSkinnyDipDay

International Skinny Dip Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in July

National Talk In An Elevator Day is an annual event celebrated on the last Friday in July, which encourages people to step out of their shell and engage in conversation with strangers while they ride in elevators together.

#HASHTAGS

#NationalTalkInAnElevatorDay

National Talk In An Elevator Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in July

International Town Criers Day is an annual event dedicated to the historic profession of town criers. The day is observed to commemorate the rich history of town criers who played a significant role in delivering news and important messages

#HASHTAGS

#InternationalTownCriersDay

International Town Criers Day is celebrated annually on the second Monday in July.

National Intern Day, celebrated on the last Thursday of July, is a day dedicated to recognizing interns’ hard work, dedication, and contributions across the globe. Interns often serve as the future of any organization, bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and creativity to their roles. This day is an opportunity to appreciate interns and highlight the importance of providing them with valuable learning experiences that can shape their future careers. Whether you’re an intern, a mentor, or a company offering internship opportunities, National Intern Day is a moment to reflect on the significance of internships in personal and professional growth. 

The History of National Intern Day

National Intern Day was created to recognize interns’ invaluable contributions to businesses, organizations, and industries. Handshake, a platform designed to connect college students with employers, launched National Intern Day in 2017. The goal was to shine a light on the interns who often go unrecognized despite their crucial role in helping companies achieve their goals. This day aims to celebrate interns and emphasize how internship programs help provide young people with the skills and experiences they need to excel in the workforce.

Internships are vital to the educational journey, allowing students to gain practical experience in their chosen field. These real-world experiences help students develop professionally and make them more competitive in the job market. National Intern Day has quickly grown in popularity, with businesses, colleges, and students coming together to appreciate the value of internships and their potential for future career development.

Why National Intern Day is Important

National Intern Day holds significant value for several reasons. Here’s why it’s important to celebrate:

1. Recognizing the Contribution of Interns: Interns often provide critical support to companies, performing tasks essential to the business’s day-to-day operations. While interns may be in the early stages of their careers, their contributions can have a lasting impact on the organizations they work for. National Intern Day is a reminder to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
2. Encouraging Career Development: Internships allow students to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that cannot be learned in the classroom. By participating in National Intern Day, companies and organizations can reaffirm their commitment to providing interns with meaningful experiences that contribute to their professional growth.
3. Building Stronger Connections Between Employers and Students: National Intern Day fosters community between businesses, students, and academic institutions. It’s a chance for companies to celebrate their internship programs and for students to appreciate the value of the opportunities they’ve been given. The celebration helps strengthen relationships and promotes career readiness for students entering the workforce.
4. Highlighting the Importance of Internship Programs: Internships are critical pathways to career development. By celebrating National Intern Day, businesses show their commitment to providing students with real-world experiences and learning opportunities. This helps develop a pipeline of talented professionals who are better prepared to enter the workforce.
5. Inspiring Future Interns: National Intern Day inspires students who are considering internships. When students see interns’ impact on companies, they are encouraged to pursue internships and other opportunities to provide valuable learning experiences.

How to Celebrate National Intern Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Intern Day, whether you’re an intern, a mentor, or an employer. Here are some fun and impactful ways to observe the day:

1. Thank Your Interns: National Intern Day is the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for your interns if you’re an employer or mentor. Take a moment to acknowledge their hard work, whether with a small gift, a thank-you note, or a social media shoutout. Recognizing their efforts can go a long way in boosting their morale and motivation.
2. Host an Intern Appreciation Event: Celebrate your interns by organizing a special event, such as a lunch, a virtual gathering, or a team-building activity. This provides a platform to thank them for their contributions and offer networking opportunities. Employers can also use this time to share insights into career paths and industry trends.
3. Share Intern Success Stories: Highlight the achievements and contributions of past and current interns in your company. Share success stories on your company’s social media platforms, newsletters, or website. This celebrates the interns and helps attract future interns looking for growth opportunities.
4. Offer Intern Development Opportunities: Celebrate National Intern Day by providing opportunities for your interns to expand their skills. You could host a workshop on resume building, networking, or job interview techniques to help them prepare for their future careers. Providing resources for personal and professional development enhances the overall value of the internship experience.
5. Encourage Interns to Share Their Experiences: Allow your interns to share their stories and reflections on their internship journey. This could be through blog posts, social media updates, or video testimonials. Giving interns a platform to talk about their experiences validates their contributions and helps others learn from their journey.
6. Promote Internship Programs: Use National Intern Day to raise awareness about your internship program. If your organization hires interns, it’s a great time to highlight opportunities and encourage students to apply. Employers can post about open positions and internships on social media platforms and job boards.
7. Offer Career Advice: On National Intern Day, take some time to offer career advice to your interns or colleagues. Share your experiences and provide tips on career progression, networking, and the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce.

Benefits of Internships for Interns

Internships offer numerous benefits for students that extend far beyond the workplace. Here’s how internships can help students succeed:

Increased Employability: Internships enhance students’ resumes, making them more competitive when applying for jobs after graduation. Employers often look for candidates with relevant work experience, and internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain that experience.

Hands-On Experience: Internships provide practical experience in a chosen field, allowing students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience is invaluable and prepares students for future roles in their industries.

Networking Opportunities: Interns often have the chance to network with professionals in their field, which can lead to valuable connections and future job opportunities. Networking during an internship can help students expand their professional circle and build relationships with key industry players.

Career Exploration: Internships allow students to explore different career paths and gain insight into what it’s like to work in their field. This can help students make more informed decisions about their future career choices.

Skill Development: Interns gain practical skills that are essential for success in the workforce. From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, internships help students build transferable skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.

#HASHTAGS

#NationalInternDay

National Intern Day is celebrated annually on the last Thursday in July.

National Motorcycle Day is a day to celebrate the love and passion for motorcycles and the culture that surrounds them. It is a time for riders and enthusiasts to come together and show their appreciation for the freedom, excitement, and adventure that motorcycling brings.

#HASHTAGS

#NationalMotorcycleDay

National Motorcycle Day is celebrated annually on the second Friday of July.

National Build a Scarecrow Day is a fun holiday celebrated every year on the first Sunday of July. It’s a day for families and communities to come together and create their very own scarecrows using various materials and designs to decorate gardens.

#HASHTAGS

#NationalBuildAScarecrowDay

National Build A Scarecrow Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday in July.

International Digital Adoption Professionals (DAP) Day is an annual event that celebrates professionals who help organizations and individuals adapt to new digital technologies and tools. The day aims to recognize and promote the work done by DAPs in improving digital literacy and driving innovation

#HASHTAGS

#InternationalDigitalAdoptionProfessionals(Dap)Day

International Digital Adoption Professionals (Dap) Day is celebrated annually on the last Thursday in July.