National Watermelon Day
Just thinking about watermelon makes me smile. One of nature's most delicious and versatile fruits, it can be used as a snack, a side dish, a dessert or even a special adult treat or beverage (when fortified with alcohol or made into wine).
The history of the watermelon is long and proud. Watermelon seeds were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen of the 12th Egyptian Dynasty. Pioneer David Livingstone was also impressed by the abundance of watermelons he encountered throughout his missionary travels through Africa in the mid-19th century. For these and many other reasons, it is presumed that the watermelon originated somewhere in Africa.
You can celebrate "National Watermelon Day" by visiting your local farmer's market and picking up one of your favorite varieties. If you feel creative, you can try one of these savory recipes from Yahoo! Shine:
6 Savory Watermelon Recipes You Need to Try
Braham Pie Day
On the first Friday in August, Braham, Minn., celebrates pie. Not just pie to eat, but pie as art, pie as crafts, pie as costumes … well, you get the idea! This year will mark the 23rd year of celebrating these sweet, deliciously filled pastries.
Braham Pie Day festivities will include your usual combination of children's activities, music and fun, with the added attractions of a pie-eating contest and pie bakeoff. And you won't want to miss getting your photo snapped with Mr. Pastry, the Queen of Tarts or the Pie Poet Laureate.
If a trip to Braham isn't in your weekend travel plans, you can celebrate Braham Pie Day at home by baking up your own special sweet treat. Here are some great recipes from Yahoo! Shine:
7 Cool Summer Pie Recipes You Just Have to Try
Sales Tax Holiday
If you're lucky enough to live in Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia, you can save a bundle on back-to-school shopping (items vary by state) by paying no sales tax on Aug. 3! That's right, many states now have designated days when you can purchase specific items without the extra financial burden of tax.
Most of these exempt items focus on clothing and school supplies, but some states also have specific days when energy conservation or disaster preparedness items are tax free. Louisiana even has days (Sept. 7-9) when firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies are tax free!
