10 Reasons to Celebrate in July

OMG, it's REALLY July! We're in the heat of summer now.

This month brings to mind the "oohs" and "aahs" of fireworks, long, hot summer days by the pool, and dinners from the grill, complete with buttery corn on the cob.

Yum. Here are 10 events and holidays you and your family will want to recognize in July:

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National Ice Cream Month

Because just one day won't do, July is ice cream MONTH. We think a scoop a day is the only way to celebrate. Find the area's BEST sweet treats HERE.

July 1-30

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National Parks and Recreation Month

Get outside and explore some parks new to you this month! Maybe you'll find a new favorite family spot for hiking and playing. HERE are a few to get you started exploring!

July 1-30

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Canada Day

Oh, Canada. This is the day informally referred to as Canada's birthday. Much like America's July 4 holiday, Canadians celebrate the holiday with parades, festivals, barbecues, fireworks, and outdoor concerts. Need to know where to find ALL the best Fireworks displays in the area? Check out our VERY lengthy guide of events HERE!

July 1

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Independence Day

Picnics, parades, fireworks and more! One of our favorite holidays of the year. Plan your long weekend 4th of July Family Celebration with our guide to area events HERE.

July 4

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Macaroni Day

Don't make us throw elbows: Macaroni Day is a holiday we love here at Macaroni KID. We feel it has all sorts of pastabilities. Celebrate by trying one of these yummy mac and cheese recipes from Macaroni Kid EATS!

July 7

Teddy Bear Picnic Day

This holiday came about because of a children's song from 1907 called the "Teddy's Bear Picnic." (Listen to it performed in 1932 by Henry Hall & His Orchestra!) Round up the kids and their favorite stuffies to celebrate. Perhaps the menu calls for peanut butter and honey sandwiches, with gummy bears for dessert. You can find more ideas for picnics HERE.

July 10

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Shark Awareness Day

Shark facts to amaze your kids:

There are more than 500 species of shark
You're more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than by a shark attack
100 million sharks are killed each year by humans

How can your family help sharks? Learn about sharks and how important they are at the Shark Trust website. There's even a quiz to find out what kind of shark you are! Celebrate by making this fun shark snack for your family!

July 14

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Nelson Mandela Day

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead," Mandela once said. Nelson Mandela Day is meant as a day worldwide to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values through volunteering and community service. You may find inspiration and great ideas for volunteering and giving back in our Community Resource Guide for the area.

July 18

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National Hot Dog Day

Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog. Today's a great day to fire up the grill and put out all the fixings for a hot dog bar. How creative can your family be? Celebrate by making your kids some mini corn dogs from this recipe here!

July 20

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National Disability Independence Day

Let’s celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act's 32nd Anniversary! The ADA works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Find out more about this landmark legislation. You can get involved in local developmental disabilities advocacy and stay abreast of ALL the related issues for our state by joining LaCAN HERE.

July 26