Pony Express Day
Many of us grew up watching action-packed Westerns that often included scenes showing a Pony Express rider changing horses. But how much do you really know about the Pony Express? Here are some interesting facts:
* The Pony Express was a mail service going from St. Joseph, Mo., to Sacramento, Calif.
* The Pony Express ran from April 1860 to October 1861.
* Pony Express stations were placed about 10 miles apart along the 2,000-mile route.
* The Pony Express reduced the time it took for a letter to go from coast to coast to only 10 days.
Why not celebrate "Pony Express Day" by watching Charlton Heston and Forrest Tucker in "Pony Express?" You can check it out on Yahoo! Movies.
National Radio Day
Numerous electronic inventions and technological advances preceded the invention of the radio, not the least of which was the telegraph and telephone. The radio revolutionized communications, particularly news and family entertainment. Today there are more than 12,000 radio stations in the U.S., and more than two billion radios in use.
One of the most famed radio broadcasts ever was "The War of the Worlds," directed by Orson Welles. Performed as a special Halloween broadcast on Oct. 30, 1938, the delivery was so realistic that many Americans reacted in panic, believing that the earth had been invaded by Martians.
National Lemonade Day
On Aug. 20, 1630, lemonade debuted in Paris. It was made from sparkling water, lemon juice and honey. That original version has morphed into dozens of variations and flavors, and is enjoyed by people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Via the lemonade stand, it has even become one of the primary income producers for children saving for their dream bicycle or video game system.
You can enjoy "National Lemonade Day" by mixing up one of these fabulous summertime tastes from Yahoo! Shine:
Stay at Home with Your Kids Day
On the third Monday in August we celebrate "Stay at Home with Your Kids Day." And why not? Everyone needs a mental health day every once in a while! The concept behind this obscure holiday is to give your kids a special treat and work on that parent/child bond. So don't let the day go to waste by sleeping until noon or running errands. Get in there and enjoy the day with your kids. Watch movies, bake cookies, ride bikes -- it doesn't matter as long as you're interacting with your children.
Here are some great insights from Yahoo! Shine to get your creative juices flowing:
Parent and child moments: Easy summer meals to cook together
How parents can plan a fun-filled summer for children