Major festivals, holidays and events during the month of September

Festival No. 6   WALES - International   September 6th - 10th

While Festival Number 6 is classified as a music event, in many ways it goes deeper than a gathering of bands and a smattering of stages. It stays relevant by trucking out an oddball music roster. Consider the inaugural festival's decision to bring out the Brythonaid Male Voice Choir performing, among other things, a cover of New Order, an inspired, "locally sourced" bit of line-up stacking – and mixing it up with acres of public art, a unique setting that once served as the set of a sci-fi show, TED-style lectures and discussion groups and a general commitment to idiosyncrasy. 

http://festivalnumber6.com/music/#/lineup/2017

National Gyro Sandwich Day    September 1st

One of the greatest food contributions from the Easter Mediterranean countries. Gyros are believed to have originated in Greece. ( They’re similar to the döner kebabs of Turkey and shawarma of the Middle East, which are slices of meat, rather than a minced loaf. ) But they were never mass produced in Europe, according to the gyro magnates of this country. Until the early 1970s, the cones were made one at a time, in restaurant kitchens using family recipes. Gyro, pronounced “GAEE-ro” in English and “GHEE-ro” in Greek comes from the Greek word “gheereezo,” which means to turn. it’s a stacked rotating pile of thinly sliced meat, either lamb, pork, beef, or some combination thereof, with latter-day renditions that include chicken and even fish. As the tightly packed stack roasts upright, the layers meld together and the grill person manning the gyro rotisserie cuts of paper-thin slices, which he or she fixes in a pita wrap with tomatoes, raw red onions, parsley or lettuce, Greek yogurt or tzatziki, and sometimes fried potatoes and a sprinkling of paprika or cayenne pepper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KH20z-cBLc

 

V-J Day   End of World War 11   International  September 2nd

On September 2, 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the U.S. battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. President Truman declared this to be V-J Day. n Times Square on V.J. Day I saw a sailor running along the street grabbing any and every girl in sight. Whether she was a grandmother, stout, thin, old, didn't make a difference. I was running ahead of him with my Leica looking back over my shoulder but none of the pictures that were possible pleased me. Then suddenly, in a flash, I saw something white being grabbed. I turned around and clicked the moment the sailor kissed the nurse. If she had been dressed in a dark dress I would never have taken the picture. If the sailor had worn a white uniform, the same. I took exactly four pictures. It was done within a few seconds.

National Hummingbird Day   U.S.A.  September 3rd

"Hummingbirds are birds in the family Trochilidae, and are endemic to the Americas. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 15–80 times per second (depending on the species). They can fly backwards, and are the only group of birds able to do so."  Their English name derives from the characteristic hum made by their wings. Hummingbirds are small birds with long, thin bills. The bill, combined with an extendible, bifurcated tongue, allows the bird to feed upon nectar deep within flowers. The lower(mandible) can flex downward to create a wider bill opening; this facilitates the capture of flying insects in the mouth rather than at the tip of the bill.

World Beard Day   International   September 3rd

Every year people gather in places all over the world to sport their beard, with various ways of celebrating all over the world. The origins of World Beard Day have been lost to history, which isn’t surprising considering that there is evidence that the Danish Vikings have held a day in honor of their beard going back as far as 800 AD. Back in those august days, there wasn’t a specific day held to honor the beard, but multiple celebrations throughout the region. Some of the celebrations are even a little crazy. How World Beard Day is celebrated varies from area to area, as mentioned above, but all of them share one thing in common. The beard is held in high esteem. Organize a World Beard Day in your community, and be sure to include that manliest of outdoor cooking methods, the BBQ. Beverages are always loved, and after everyone has feasted you can hold a competition to see who has the most magnificent beard! World Beard Day honors your face ferret, and that of everyone around you!

National Wildlife Day  September 4th

National Wildlife Day is observed annually on September 4th.  Take a trip down to your local zoo and celebrate!  Wild animals are fascinating and amazing creatures that we can appreciate and learn from.  National Wildlife Day is about two important things: raising awareness for endangered animals and appreciating U.S. zoos, sanctuaries, farms, etc. for helping to preserve our wildlife.

http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-wildlife-day-september-4/

International Bacon Day  1st Monday in September

International Bacon Day or Bacon Day is an unofficial holiday observed since 2009 on the Saturday before Labor Day in the United States. Labor Day is traditionally the first Monday of September, though a growing faction has celebrated Bacon Day on December 30 in the US since 2006.

Labor Day  U.S.A.   First Monday in September

The first Labor Day was held celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882 and was started by the Central Labor Union in New York City. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September where it is celebrated today. Labor Day quickly became popular and one state after another voted it as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the U.S. congress voted it a national holiday.

http://www.softschools.com/facts/holidays/labor_day_facts/1301/

National Buffalo Wing Fest  U.S.A.  September

THE NATIONAL BUFFALO WING FESTIVAL has become the “Super Bowl” of the chicken wing industry for restaurants, wing lovers and even competitive eaters.  The festival has been showcased by such national media as the Food Network (All-American Festivals, Unwrapped, Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse Live), the Travel Channel (Bar Food Paradise, Taste of America and Food Wars), NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s The ViewRegis and Kelly, The CBS Morning Show, BBC, Fox and Friends and even a PBS documentary.So, “WING IT TO BUFFALO” and join us for the fun and excitement at one of America’s greatest food festivals this Labor Day Weekend – The National Buffalo Wing Festival!

International   ( Read a book day )     September 6th

Reading is a great lifetime hobby. It offers so many positive attributes. It's relaxing and therapeutic. It's educational. Its entertaining. And, a whole lot of other good things, too.  If you have young children, or elderly people in your home, take the time to read a book to them today. It is a wonderful time to bond with them and it creates pleasant, lasting memories.

International ( Salami  Day )   September 7th

The versatile Salami is used in many, many ways. It can be eaten by itself as a snack. Cut it into small cubes along with cheese. Or, just cut off a big chunk and nibble on it. Tip: Salami goes much better with a glass of wine. Salami is very popular in sandwiches and subs. And, many of us, add it to salads to add a little zing. Try mixing it into scrambled eggs, too.

International Literacy Day   September 8th

Celebrates and promotes literacy all over the world.The day was created by the United Nations. It is promoted by the UN's UNESCO. According to their website: "The aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies." Literacy is a global issue, and hence the UN takes an active role in promoting it. They do recognize and celebrate that billions of people are literate. But, they go further to promote literacy, and to seek improved literacy rates in every country of the world.  

International Sudoku Day  September 9th

Today is International Sudoku Day. Any idea why today is celebrated as Sudoku Day? Its because today date reads as 9/9 and Standard Sudoku is also 9x9 size of total 81 cells. It was last year Sudoku Day, my blog crossed 1 million views and this year my blog is near to 3 million views. Today I want to thanks all my readers. It is because of readers, I get continuous motivation to keep creating and posting regular puzzles. Today's puzzle is to wish all the readers here Very Happy Sudoku Day. This Classic Sudoku, I am posting it as 95th Sudoku puzzle in Fun With Sudoku Series. ...

http://enigm-attic.blogspot.com/2014/09/99-international-sudoku-day

Stand up to Cancer Day  International  September 9th

The Stand Up To Cancer initiative aims to raise awareness and bring about an understanding that everyone is connected by cancer. The stat used most often by SU2C is from the American Cancer Society: one out of every two men and one out of every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, meaning everyone is affected in some way, or will be. Stand Up To Cancer started in autumn 2007, by a group of women who had been affected by cancer. The group believes by merging the recourse of the media and entertainment industries into a single operation they would be able to fight against this disease, in a more profound way. Stand Up To Cancer was formally launched on May 27, 2008. Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, and Ellen Ziffren. All current members of the CFA were co-producers of the 2012 televised special.

National Hot dog day   U.S.A.   2nd Saturday in September

There seems to be two National Hot dog Days, one is the 2nd Saturday after the 4th of July and the other is the 2nd Saturday in September.  These foodie pic-nick holidays were most likely originated for those good folks that bought way-to-many dogs for The 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. SO, get those frozen extras out of the freezer and have a patio party today !

National Day of Service and Remembrance   September 11th

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2011, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.  I call upon all departments andagencies of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance.  I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Grandparent's Day  U.S.A.  Sunday after Labor Day

National Grandparent's Day originated in 1978. President Jimmy Carter declared it to be the first Sunday after Labor Day. If you can't visit them or call them, or email.  When you call, make sure you have the time for a long conversation. Remember, grandparents will always ask about you first and listen intently to everything you have to say. They are never rushed or in a hurry. They are there just for you. September 11th, 2016

National Video Games Day U.S.A.  September 12th.

Video game players across the United States enjoy this day with much enthusiasm.  From their very earliest days, video games have gone on to become an art form and industry. There was, at one time, a United States National Video Game Team, founded on July 25, 1983, in Ottumwa, Iowa, by Walter Day and the Twin Galaxies Intergalactic Scoreboard. The early games used interactive electronic devices with various display formats. Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann filed the first patent for an interactive electronic device in 1947.  It was called the “Cathode ray tube amusement Device”.  

International Positive thinking day   September 13th

The holiday, also known as International Positive Thinking Day encourages people to deal with difficult situations in life with optimism and positivity. Positive thinking can have many benefits. Studies have shown that positive thinking can reduce stress and the risk of heart diseases, lower depression and increase life span. Some studies have even shown that positive thinking can increase the body's resistance to the common cold.

"Reading a few positive thinking quotes before going to sleep at night, and first thing in the morning, will gradually change your mindset, transform your life, and attract good things to you."

National Eat a Cream filled Doughnut Day  September 14th

It's a VERY CALORIC FOODIE DAY !  Start your day with a big fat sugar dooughnut, filled with thick whipped white or Bavarian cream. make sure it's the biggest doughnut from that bakery's tray ...This might be washed down with a good hot cup of coffee this morning. What better way to get yourself going with lots and lots of sugar and caffeine! and, loads ofBavarian Cream could easily be inside that doughnut with the chocolate icing on top ....GO FOR IT !

National Eat a Hoagie Day   U.S.A.  September 14th

Today's lunch might just require us to build a Hoagie sandwich or use that SUB-SHOP coupon ! National Eat a Hoagie day was inspired by World War 1 dock workers ! “Hoggies” was a nickname for Italian workers at the Hog Island shipyard in Philadelphia during World War I.  These workers were known for bringing giant sandwiches for lunch.  The nickname became associated with the sandwich and the spelling has been altered over time.

National Double Cheeseburger Day  U.S.A.   September 15th

  1. The oldest fast food restaurant in the world is the White Castle franchise, which opened in 1921.
  2. The people of America eat more burgers out at restaurants or on the go than they do at home.
  3. The largest hamburger ever created was over 8,000 pounds and was cooked for a burger festival in Wisconsin.
  4. However, the hamburger in its current form, with ground beef and a bun, is a decidedly American creation.
  5. Hamburgers are made of beef, not ham, and there is much debate over whether they actually originated in Hamburg.

International " Eat an Apple Day "  September 17th

Apples contain no fat, and contain cholesterol-fighting compounds. That’s almost reason enough to love apples, but ( Eat An Apple Day ) goes even further to encourage you to celebrate all things apple related. Bake a pie, make a tart, enjoy a crumble or a simple, crunchy fruit treat. Why not take enough apples with you to share at work, at school, or with friends? Alternatively, expand your palette and enjoy something slightly different from the many varieties and types of apples available from around the world.

The Fort Wayne Johnny Appleseed Fest  U.S.A.  Mid September

A great little vacation or camping trip to the state of Indiana. This festival offers to educate and stimulate historical  interest among the general public in order to promote a better understanding of Johnny Appleseed, his life and times.  To provide a historically authentic recreation  of the time of Johnny Appleseed and the period in which he lived and the plan, operate and administer the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

http://www.johnnyappleseedfest.com/

The Niagara Celtic Festival Olcott, New York U.S.A. Mid-September

One of the best Celtic culture gatherings in the North East ! ...Welcome to Niagara County and Western New York's Home for all things Irish, Scottish, Welsh and more! Join us this coming September for our annual Celtic heritage festival, celebrating the best in music, food, culture and fun! Be sure to visit us for all the latest local Celtic events, and make sure to enjoy stops along the ale trail. We look forward to seeing you again this fall!

http://www.niagaraceltic.com/index.htm
 

Bristol Rhythm & Blues Fest   Virginia   September  16th-18th

The award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion isn’t just a music festival. It’s an infectious, three-day music experience, bursting with creative passion, electricity, and soul--a celebration of Bristol's heritage as the Birthplace of Country Music. Every third weekend in September, State Street in historic Downtown Bristol, TN/VA is amped to the beat of Appalachia’s past, present and future. The Reunion offers 22 stages of live music that include outdoor stages, a dance tent, 16 indoor venues and a children’s stage on Saturday for a free event for families on Saturday from 9am-1pm.The best part, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is among the most affordable music festivals around!

International Talk like a Irate Day   September 19th

According to Mark Summers, the day is the only known holiday to come into being as a result of a sports injury. During a racquetball game between Summers and Baur, one of them reacted to the pain with an outburst of "Aaarrr!", and the idea was born. That game took place on June 6, 1995, but out of respect for the observance of the Normandy landings, they chose Summers' ex-wife's birthday, as it would be easy for him to remember.  At first an inside joke between two friends, the holiday gained exposure when John Baur and Mark Summers sent a letter about their invented holiday to the American syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry in 2002. Barry liked the idea and promoted the day. Growing media coverage of the holiday after Barry's column has ensured that this event is now celebrated internationally, and Baur and Summers now sell books and T-shirts on their website related to the theme. Part of the success for the international spread of the holiday has been attributed to non-restriction of the idea or non-trademarking, in effect opening the holiday to creativity and "viral" growth.

 

National Pepperoni Pizza Day   U.S.A.   September 20th

Today is National Pepperoni Pizza Day, a day to celebrate America's favorite variety of pizza.. Almost everybody loves pizza. It is so versatile. Pizza is eaten for breakfast (often cold), lunch, dinner and as a late night snack. It is a very popular food for parties and events. You can put all sorts of meats, vegetables, fruits, and even fish... Anchovies... on your pizza. But, today, is reserved for a pepperoni pizza, the most popular variety. Here is some interesting trivia on the ever popular pizza:

  • Pepperoni is the most popular, preferred by 36% of the people.
  • Over 3 Billion pizzas are sold n the U.S. each year.
  • More pizzas are sold on Super Bowl Sunday, than any other day of the year.
  • Halloween is the second most popular day for eating pizzas.

National IT Professionals Day   3RD Tuesday in SEptember

Observed annually every third Tuesday in September, National IT Professionals Day is set aside to honor the venerable geeks of the world we all rely on to keep us connected.  The IT (information technology) professional is the unsung hero of modern business, but often under-appreciated by it.  Whether it be desktops, laptops, mobile devices, applications, servers, networks, databases or cyber security, IT professionals keep business humming.  However, there is often a lack of understanding by business leaders and end users of the important role they play and the difficulties and complexities associated with modern IT.

World Alzheimer's Day  International   September 21st

World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st of each year, is a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. At current rates, experts believe the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s will quadruple to as many as 16 million by the year 2050.

https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/

 International Day for Peace   September 21st

International Day of Peace is observed all over the world on 21 September to strengthen the ideals of peace among people and nations. The theme for this year's peace day celebration is the Sustainable Development Goal: Building Blocks for Peace. Various events, including meditations, workshops, educational conferences, marches, musical celebrations, art exhibitions and gatherings have been organized globally as part of the peace day celebration.

National Pecan Cookie Day ...U.S.A. ...September 21st

Pecan cookies are a great snack that you can enjoy at all times of the day. These cookies are perfectly sweet and savory treat that could be a yummy breakfast or delicious dessert ...or just a secret snack. So, Bake a batch to celebrate or just visit your local store or café and grab one to munch on. With over a thousand varieties of pecans, there is something for anyone ( who does not have a nut allergy ). Pecan cookies are a great source of protein, antioxidants and unsaturated fats that reduce cholesterol. So, if your feeling a bit stressed on this Autumnal Equinox day, reward yourself with a pecan cookie and something nice and cold to drink.

Native American Day   4th Friday in September

This day is set aside to honor and celebrate Native Americans, the first Americans to live in the U.S. Still commonly referred to as American Indians, the term "Native Americans" has been used in recent years as a sign of respect and recognition that they were indeed the first people to populate our great and wonderful nation. By the time the first explorers and settlers arrived from Europe, Native Americans had populated the entire North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the northern reaches of Canada. We encourage you to spend this day, learning about Native Americans, the true original settlers in America.

National Elephant Appreciation Day  Sept. 22nd

People of all ages are fascinated by elephants.  They are larger than life and profoundly intelligent animals.  The average lifespan of an elephant is 60 to 70 years, and they develop remarkably close family bonds.  They are very playful animals who love to frolic in the water.  Elephants are herbivorous animals who will eat almost any type of plant from grass to trees.  In captivity, they are also very fond of cabbage, lettuce, bananas, apples and many other types of fruits and vegetables.

National Celtic Classic Highland Games  U.S.A.  September 23rd - 25th

Since 1998 Celtic cultural Alliance (C.C.A.) has been hosting the Celtic classic Highland Games and Festival in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania each September. This internationally known celebration of all things Celtic has been the foundation upon which C.C.A. has been built. Building on this rich history, C.C.A. has continued to expand it's presence in Bethlehem and beyond. With educational programming presented throughout the year, both for school age audiences and adult groups, C.C.A. has continued to further its goal of preserving and promoting Celtic culture.       http://www.celticfest.org/

The Great American Pot Pie Day  U.S.A.   September 23rd

Celebrating an American creation that has been around for decades to warm us from the inside out, the Pot Pie. Pot pies are the American answer to British meat pies. This holiday was created in 2002 by Marie Callender's, a licensed brand of Con-Agra Foods. That year, they made a donation for each of their pot pies that were sold during the holiday's date. Originally, it was intended that this holiday be celebrated on the first day of Fall, which in 2002 fell on September 23rd. Though, it appears the September 23rd date for this holiday has stuck as references going back as early as 2007 quote this holiday's date as September 23rd.

Autumn Harvest Fest & Roadkill Cook-off  U.S.A  

September 23rd -24th

The  Annual Autumn Harvest Festival and Roadkill Cook-Off is held in the small town of Marlinton,WV located in the heart of Pocahontas county and just 20 miles south of the Snowshoe Ski Resort. The festival draws well over 10,000 visitors to the town in a single day which is impressive when you consider the whole county has about 7500 residents. While the headline event of the festival is definitely the Roadkill Cook-Off, which has drawn the likes of the Food Network and the Travel Channel, there’s a lot more to this annual celebration of local music and culture. For us it was a window into the local life and customs of rural West Virginia, and we came away from the event with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of this amazing local community.

National Daughters Day  Last Sunday in September

This holidayvaries across countries and is celebrated on different dates across the world. On this day, parents wish the love of their lives, the little angels, Happy Daughters Day. There might be some confusion regarding when is National Daughters Day or when is Daughters Day 2016. National Daughters Day 2016 can be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in the month of September. Otherwise October 1 has also been known to be celebrated as National Daughters Day. Loving wishes pour in from all corners of the world cheering and adoring every lovely daughter who is the light of her parents’ and close ones’ lives. National Daughters Week or Daughters Week is also celebrated.

National Lobster Day   U.S.A.   September 25th


Considered what a fine delicacy throughout most of the world, this crowd-pleasing crustacean has seen darker days. The Pacific Standard Magazine writes of a time when "consumers could buy Boston baked beans for 53 cents a pound, canned lobster sold for just 11 cents a pound." In a time when Maritime New England was practically covered in lobsters, they were a food relegated as prison food. Lobsters have had quite a journey as a food item. Because rags-to-riches stories are always worth celebrating, on Sept. 25, we observe National Lobster Day!

National Women Warrior Day   U.S.A.   September 26th

National Woman Road Warrior Day is dedicated to all women who travel for business. While men have done the most traveling for business in the past, women now make up almost 50% of business travelers. In total, over one million people travel for business in the United States each day. National Woman Road Warrior Day is observed next on Wednesday, September 19th, 2018. It has always been observed annually on September 19th. If you are a business traveling woman, National Woman Road Warrior Day may be spent by reflecting on or planning for a business road trip. Reading The Woman Warrior: A Woman's Guide to Business Travel might be a good way to plan for an upcoming trip. If you are not a business traveling woman, take the time to as ask a woman who travels for business what their travels have been like, and what the greatest rewards and challenges of their travels have been.

National Situational Day  U.S.A.   September 26th

This day highlights the importance of using situational awareness skills in everyday life to stay out of harm’s way. Harm may come in the form of walking in front of a moving car or that of an assailant, both of which can happen from any myriad of distractions which cause one not to be aware of the surroundings and situation. In a dangerous situation, being aware of a threat even seconds before may keep someone safe by giving them time to act instead of react. The lack of or inadequate situational awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents attributed to human error.  Although this skill is lacking in many of modern society, our ancestors used it to great utility to survive. It has been extensively taught for decades to law enforcement and the military, but it is not exclusive to them. Most experts agree that it is the number one skill to learn for the safety of everyone.

National Corned-Beef Hash Day  U.S.A.  September 27th

September 27th is the National Corned Beef Hash Day. This food related holiday is dedicated to a well-known dish that became especially popular in some countries during and after the Second World War and has recently made a comeback. The term “hash” is derived from the French word “hacher” which means “to chop”. Hash consists of chopped or diced meat, potatoes, and spices. Corned beef hash became popular because during and immediately after WWII fresh meat was rationed while corned meat was widely available. Later hash became a popular breakfast food, often made of leftover meat. As a breakfast food, it is usually served with toast, fried eggs, and occasionally some kind of fried potatoes.

National Woman's Health & Fitness Day   U.S.A.  September 28th

National Women's Health & Fitness Day is a public/private good health partnership organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC)sm, a national clearinghouse for consumer health information professionals. The HIRC's "sister" organization, the Mature Market Resource Center, is the official organizer of National Senior Health & Fitness Day - the nation's largest older adult health promotion event - which is always held the last Wednesday in May. The HIRC staff will coordinate all Women's Health & Fitness Day host site registrations along with the sales and distribution of event incentive items and samples/information from our national and state/local event sponsors.

NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY  U.S.A.  September 28th

National Good Neighbor Day is observed annually on September 28.  This day was created to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of a good neighbor. It is a blessing to have a good neighbor, but it is even a greater thing to BE a good neighbor. Good neighbors often become friends. They watch out for each other, lend a helping hand and are there for advice when asked.   Neighbors off that cup of sugar when we are short, collect our mail when we are on vacation, watch our homes and sometimes watch our children and our pets. Simply put, being a good neighbor makes good neighbors and develops lifelong friendships.  

Lake of Stars Festival  AFRICA    September 30 - October 2nd

Lake of Stars takes place at the Sunbird Nkopola Lodge on the shores of Lake Malawi. The lake itself is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world, and the palm fronds surrounding it, shelter it from the shores. Supposedly, when Scottish explorer David Livingstone reached the land-locked, sub-Saharan country (the first Westerner to do so), he commented that the ships drifting along the water at night made it look like a Lake Of Stars. Named in honor of Livingston’s description, this festival launched in 2004 and has been a local treasure ever since. But while the nation of Malawi is often referred to as the "Warm Heart of Africa," it’s also the 13th poorest country in the world, according to The Guardian . That’s why festival founder Will Jameson wants Lake of Stars to, in addition to it being a top-notch music festival, serve as a community development project that benefits the tourism industry.

CANCELED FESTIVAL IN 2017

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the people who support the festival, our sponsors and team who work tirelessly to ensure that the festival is a success. And also artists and audiences who make the festival what it is. The festival will return to Lake Malawi in September 2018 for our 15th anniversary.”

 

Veterans of Foreign Wars Day  U.S.A.  September 29th

This year marks the 111th year since the VFW was established. On this date in 1899, a small group of Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans. For 111 years the VFW has been unwavering in its devotion “to honor the dead by helping the living.” VFW and its Auxiliary members carry out this mission by promoting good will, patriotism and youth scholarship. Their commitment is demonstrated through national veterans and legislative services, military assistance and community service programs, youth activities and scholarship programs, as well as millions of volunteer hours in their local communities each year. Show your support by honoring all members and veterans in your community. Today everyone is invited to celebrate the tradition of continuous service and steadfast devotion that defines the VFW. 

Oktoberfest in LaCrosse, Wisconsin  Late Sept - October

One of the Midwest’s largest German festivals with the Maple Leaf Parade and Torchlight Parade, live music, run/walk, concessions, contests, midway thrills, ethnic food and beverages. Event is located at Oktoberfest Park near the Mississippi River. 

http://midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/touring/mississippi_river/cruises_in_lacrosse.html

National Hug A Vegetarian Day   Last Friday in September

This day is recognising and showing appreciation for the often difficult transition to a meat and animal product free lifestyle. The food options for vegetarians and vegans tend to be limited at restaurants, and sometimes they are treated with hostility. However, since the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle has gained popularity, more options and alternatives have been made available by the food industry. So, to celebrate today, give a vegetarian or vegan you know a hug to thank them for being brave in their decision to save animal lives. Thank them for living a cruelty free life and respecting animals rather than consuming them.

The Hermanus Whale Festival   ...South Africa   ...Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd

The Hermanus Whale Festival started 25 years ago in the coastal town of Hermanus.  Residents and visitors celebrate the migration of Southern Right Whales and other marine wildlife with ocean-themed activities and exhibitions, emphasizing education and environmentally responsible adventures and activities. From the 30th of September till the 2nd of October 2016 the Hermanus Whale Festival is celebrating the only enviro-arts festival in South Africa, “putting the creatures of the deep on stage and under the spotlight alongside top performers and musicians.

International Astronomy Day  Spring  & Fall ( CHART )

Astronomy Day was created in 1973 by Doug Berger, then president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. The unofficial holiday is an attempt to raise the interest of the general public in astronomy by giving them easy access to astronomical instruments like telescopes. The holiday also seeks to bridge the knowledge gap by giving the public a chance to interact with astronomers and space scientists.

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/astronomy-day