July offers plenty to cool off with

The fireworks have launched and the sparklers have burnt out, but just because Independence Day has passed doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to celebrate this July.

In fact, there’s one thing in particular that deserves the long-term recognition it’s getting. Lasting the entire month — and halfway into August — are Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days. Considering the outrageously hot temperatures of the past week, if you only honor a single observance this month, that should be the one.

If you’re open to other celebrations, however, get ready for some good ones starting with today.

July 7 is Chocolate Day for the hopeless romantics or women of all ages, but it’s also International Cherry Pit Spitting Day for the fun-loving kid-at-heart types who can’t help but play with their food.

Whether you play with it or simply eat it, food is one thing that can help you escape the scorching heat often experienced in July. Try cooling off with an icy cold beverage next week. Adults can sip on a sweet pick-me-up during Pina Colada Day on July 10 while the younger crowds chill its taste buds with a more kid-friendly thirst-quencher for Slurpee Day on July 11.

It isn’t until July 15, however, that children and adults alike get a chance to recognize possibly the best way on earth to cool down in the summer. The middle of the month marks National Ice Cream Day.

Whether you’re a sucker for sundaes or mad about malts, be sure to get your fill of the sweet treats for 24 hours while you observe a holiday you’re bound to look forward to in the future.

July is also host to a variety of other food-related observances, but none of them are likely to help you cool off in a heat wave. Still, feel free to acknowledge National French Fries Day (the 13th), Gummi Worm Day (15th), National Lollipop Day (20th), National Hot Dog Day (21st), National Chili Dog Day (26th) and Lasagna Day (29th).

Nourishment aside, July is a bit of a grab bag when it comes to holidays. There’s something for the happy and sad, the geeky and bad.

Let’s take July 13 for example. If you’re pleased with your job, think about celebrating Gruntled Workers Day. Yes, that’s right. Gruntled — not disgruntled. The same day is also Embrace Your Geekness Day, and it’s soon followed up with Be a Dork Day on July 15.

Those who are sad will hopefully see a friendly face on July 11 for Cheer Up the Lonely Day. And those who are bad will be given the perfect opportunity to apologize on July 16 during National Get Out of the Doghouse Day.

Once all is well again, spend the rest of the month doing some random activities you probably haven’t experienced since you were a kid. Start with Carousel Day on July 25 and follow it with Walk on Stilts Day on July 27.

Try to keep that young spirit alive as you close out July and head into August. Do so by setting aside the 28th to observe National Dance Day and plan a leisurely walk in the rain as the perfect way to celebrate Rain Day on the July 29.

Of course, if it doesn’t rain on Rain Day that will be kind of tricky to accomplish. Then again, sprinklers were invented for a reason.

Tags: lifestyle