So, who gets to pick what national month it is?

Most of us know that June is National Dairy Month, but how many people know it’s also National Accordion Awareness Month? For the New Prague area, or those who like polka music, that seems like something to celebrate. But who gets to decide what national month or day it is?

According to an online article by Marketplace, sometimes just an individual, group or business decides they want to support a cause and “poof” they create a day. And if it’s popular, or quirky enough, social media takes care of the rest. One website that gets requests is National Day Calendar. How many requests do they get? Well, back in 2015 they had 10,000 requests for a national day. They don’t approve all of them. Turns out among the popular requests are when people want to celebrate their significant other. So, they ask if it can be National (insert the name of your girlfriend/boyfriend here) Day. From what I understand that usually gets a resounding “No.”

Now, I can understand some of the choices for June. One is National Adopt a Cat Month, if you don’t have a pet and you do care for animals, going out and adopting a cat to provide company seems like a good idea. Some advice, you may not want to adopt a cat every June. I have friends who can afford to have three cats, the emphasis being afford, since cats do require food, visits to the veterinarian and sometimes lots of attention.

June is also National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, I can definitely understand that, since many of us could use more fruits and vegetables in our diet. It’s also National Iced Tea Month, which seems appropriate since we’re getting into months when an ice cold beverage seems like a good idea. Although some of the items seem at odds, as the fresh fruit and vegetables don’t seem to mesh with it being National Soul Food Month and National Candy Month. I suppose if you have in moderation the fried foods that come out of soul food and, definitely, limit the amount of candy you enjoy, they could work. Another alternative is to get out and get some fresh air and exercise as it’s also National Great Outdoors Month and National Camping Month.

Now, I realize some of you are probably thinking, “Too many people have too much time on their hands.” That’s probably the case with some of these observances, and one Twin Cities morning radio program does refer to them as “fake holidays.” On the other hand if someone is getting a positive experience out of having a cat, enjoying a little candy or iced tea and getting their daily amount of fruit and vegetables, then maybe these aren’t that bad of ideas.

Just make sure you’re prepared for next month as on July Fourth you can observe four events on that one day. July is National Picnic Month, National Grilling Month, National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month.