All - Leep Calendar

OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR: A STATEHOOD TRADITION The Oklahoma State Fair, held every September, is an annual celebration that offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and culinary delights. Established in 1907, the fair has become one of the state's most anticipated events, attracting visitors from across the region. Visitors to the fair can enjoy various activities, including thrilling carnival rides, live musical performances, and livestock shows. The fair also features diverse food vendors, from traditional fair treats like funnel cakes and corn dogs to unique culinary creations. The fair provides educational exhibits for those interested in agriculture, showcasing farming techniques, livestock competitions, and horticultural displays. Additionally, the fair hosts craft shows, art exhibitions, and various competitions, making it a hub for local talent and creativity. HISTORY The Oklahoma State Fair was first held in 1907, the same year Oklahoma achieved statehood. Its primary purpose is to celebrate the state's agricultural heritage and provide a platform for community engagement. Over the years, the fair has expanded to include a broader array of attractions and events, reflecting the evolving interests of its attendees while maintaining a strong focus on agriculture and education. ORIGIN OF STATE FAIRS State fairs in the United States have their roots in the early 19th century, with the first state fair held in Syracuse, New York, in 1841. These fairs promoted agricultural innovation and allowed farmers to exchange ideas and showcase their produce. Over time, state fairs have evolved to include various entertainment and educational activities, becoming a staple of American culture. AMERICAN VS INTERNATIONAL FAIRS What sets American state fairs apart from fairs in other parts of the world is their strong emphasis on agriculture and community involvement. While fairs globally might focus on entertainment or commerce, U.S. state fairs traditionally highlight agricultural practices, livestock breeding, and local crafts. This agricultural focus reflects America's rural heritage and continues to play a central role in state fairs today. The Oklahoma State Fair remains a cherished event, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the state's rich agricultural history and vibrant culture. Whether enjoying a concert, sampling a deep-fried delicacy, or marveling at the skill of local artisans, visitors to the fair experience a unique blend of tradition and innovation that captures the spirit of Oklahoma.

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Sep

Oktoberfest (DE): September 19 – October 4

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Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival. This two-week event starts the third week of September and ends the first week of October. However, the festival may be extended if German Reunification Day occurs after the end of Oktoberfest. Every year, more than 6 million people attend. Apart from chugging beer, this festival showcases amusement rides, traditional German food, and games. The first Oktoberfest occurred on October 12, 1810, and celebrated the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

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Sep

One-Hit Wonder Day: September 25

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One-Hit Wonder Day honors the songs and artists that have achieved success only once on the Billboard charts. Best way to celebrate? Listen to some of your favorite one-hit wonders! The 60s and 70s were the reigning eras of the one-hit wonders. Cassette tapes, CDs, and later digital music slowly replaced radio play as the primary source of music listening. We’ve gathered a list of some of our favorites. See how many you may have heard of: Teen Angel by Mark Dinning 1960 Hey! Baby by Bruce Channel 1962 Green Tambourine by The Lemon Pipers 1968 Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C Riley 1968 In the Year 2525 by Zager & Evans 1969 The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Vicki Lawrence 1973 Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks 1974 Lovin’ You by Minnie Piperton in 1975 The Hustle by Van McCoy in 1975 Afternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band 1976 Disco Duck by Rick Dees & his Cast of Idiots 1976 Hot Child in the City by Nick Gilder 1978 Chariots of Fire by Vangelis 1982 Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin 1988 How Do You Talk to an Angel by The Heights 1992 Do I Make You Proud by Taylor Hicks 2006

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Sep

One-on-One Month: September

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Get your warm fuzzies out and get to know your coworkers, neighbors, and friends during One-on-One Month. This month is all about getting to know the people who contribute to your life. Annually in September.

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Sep

Ontario Garlic Festival: September 27 (est)

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ABOUT ONTARIO'S GARLIC FESTIVAL AND GARLIC WEEK The Ontario Garlic Festival, an annual celebration held in Toronto, pays homage to one of the most beloved ingredients in gastronomy: garlic. Organized by the Toronto Garlic Festival, this event has become a staple for food enthusiasts since its inception in 2011. The week leading up to it is unofficially known as Ontario Garlic Week. The festival brings together garlic growers, chefs, and food lovers to explore the diverse culinary uses of garlic. Attendees can sample various garlic-infused dishes, purchase fresh garlic and related products, and participate in cooking demonstrations and workshops. The event also features live music, garlic-themed contests, and educational talks on the health benefits of garlic. Garlic, revered in gastronomy for its robust flavor and versatility, also offers a range of health benefits. It is a cornerstone in many cuisines worldwide, enhancing the taste of dishes from pasta to stir-fries. Beyond its culinary uses, garlic is prized for its medicinal properties. It is believed to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and even aid in the prevention of certain cancers. At the Ontario Garlic Festival, you can expect to see a wide variety of garlic types, each with unique characteristics. The most common types, including hardneck and softneck garlic, will be on display, showcasing their varying flavors, sizes, and colors. Garlic has a rich history, tracing back over 5,000 years. It is believed to have originated in Central Asia and has been cultivated and used for both culinary and medicinal purposes throughout ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Its enduring popularity, spanning millennia and cultures, is a testament to its significant impact on human culture and cuisine. The Ontario Garlic Festival is not just a celebration of this humble yet powerful bulb, but also a strong supporter of local agriculture. By promoting the benefits of incorporating garlic into daily diets, the festival fosters a sense of community and shared values. Its growing popularity is a testament to the increasing interest in local, sustainable food sources.

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Sep

OPEC Founded (1960): September 10

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September 10 marks the anniversary of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) creation in 1960. This organization aims to coordinate and unify the policies on petroleum among its member nations to create fair trade and prices of oil and its derivatives; create a regular supply of petroleum to consuming countries, and provide a reasonable return on capital for petroleum-producing nations. For the first five years, its headquarters were in Geneva. On September 1, 1965, it moved to Vienna, Austria. Five countries founded OPEC: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Venezuela. Qatar, Indonesia, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Nigeria, Ecuador, Angola, and Gabon joined later. OPEC originated in Baghdad in September 1960 following changes in the international economic and political arena and the creation of newly independent states. The organization promoted a unifying vision and shared objectives. During the 1950s, the oil market was dominated by large multinational companies and the Soviet Union. OPEC changed that, focusing on the needs of the supplier nations rather than the corporations. Within a decade, the member countries achieved dominance over their domestic petroleum production and collectively impacted the price of petroleum on the world market. OPEC's collective power became apparent after the Yom Kippur War of 1973. In protest of the United States and its allies arming Israel, OPEC embargoed the nations, cutting off the supply of oil and banning the export of petroleum products. The effect was immediate. Americans and others worldwide found themselves waiting in hours-long lines to fill their gas tanks. Prices soared. The embargo lasted six months, and consumers worldwide learned a harsh lesson. Not only was the world dependent upon petrol, but OPEC was a power. The actual cost of the oil embargo continues to resonate in America. Consider the auto industry. Though not the only cause, the embargo escalated events and provided opportunities that may have required several decades to occur without it. During the fall of 1973, Americans were in shock. With petrol's scarcity and expense, the large American-made cars with massive engines and little fuel efficiency suddenly became undesirable. Though considered lower quality at the time, Japanese cars were less expensive, smaller, and fuel efficient. Brands including Datsun (Nissan), Honda, and Toyota rapidly stole market share from American manufacturers, forcing the closing of factories and the movement of supporting companies overseas. By 1980, US manufacturers were in a tailspin, and the high-paying blue-collar jobs supported by the industry were in jeopardy, sending entire regions of the nation into despair. Many of these areas never recovered. Today, Toyota is the top-selling auto brand in the United States, and Ford is number two. *** The shift in automobile markets is one example of the fallout from the 1973 oil embargo and illustrates OPEC's power in influencing current and future events. The organization continues to protect its members' interests, which is its purpose. Thankfully, it hasn't used its embargo power again.

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Sep

Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week (UK): September 14-20 (est)

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Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week benefits those suffering from male cancers, including prostate, testicular and penile, and the loved ones of these men. It was created in 1996 by testicular cancer patient Colin Osborn MBE and the oncologist who saved his life, Professor Tim Oliver.

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Sep

Organic Month, National (CA): September

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National Organic Month (formerly week) is Canada's largest annual celebration of organic food, farming, and natural products. Organic food is grown without chemicals, and organic materials offer an alternative option for clothing, personal care, health care, and cleaning products. Events include pickling workshops, recipe contests, farm tours, and organic food and drink samplings in retail locations across the country.

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Sep

Organic September (UK): September

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Organic September is a month-long campaign designed to raise the organic profile in the United Kingdom and shine a light on the amazing organic farmers, producers, and brands working hard to produce food as it should be.

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Sep

Our Lady of Meritxell Day, (AD)(1278): September 8

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National Day in Andorra marks the anniversary of September 8, 1278, the official day the Pareatges (constitutional powers document) was signed. Also called Our Lady of Meritxell Day, National Day is a national holiday.

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Sep

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (CA): September

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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness of ovarian cancer, seeks cures, and reduces the chances of this disease. Wearing the color teal or a teal ribbon, the international color for ovarian cancer, shows support. Webcasts and social media programs are available, allowing you to listen to learn more about this illness. Ovarian Cancer occurs in older women, usually in their fifties or sixties. Women who are diagnosed with this cancer carry the BRCA mutation gene, and often, cancer runs in the family.

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Sep

Ovarian Cancer Month (US): September

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Ovarian Cancer Month in the United States raises awareness about ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer often afflicts women in their 50s and 60s with a BRCA mutation gene responsible for this cancer. Men and women are encouraged to wear teal or decorate their homes in teal to support this event. The top four symptoms of ovarian cancer are: Persistent stomach pain Persistent bloating Difficulty eating/feeling full more quickly. Frequent urination Ovarian Cancer occurs in older women, usually in their fifties or sixties. Women diagnosed with this cancer carry the BRCA mutation gene, and cancer runs in families.

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Sep

Owain Glyndŵr Day (1400): September 16

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Owain Glyndŵr (1359 - 1415) was a resistance leader in Wales. His day, September 16, is the day he was named Prince of Wales in 1400.

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Sep

Owara Kaze No Bon Festival (JP): September 1-3

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JAPAN'S OWARA KAZE NO BON FESTIVAL: A MESMERIZING TRADITION Every year, the picturesque town of Yatsuo in Toyama Prefecture transforms into a captivating scene of traditional dance, music, and lantern-lit streets for the Owara Kaze No Bon Festival. This centuries-old celebration, held near the 1 September, a significant date marking the end of summer and the beginning of the harvest season, draws thousands of visitors eager to witness its unique blend of cultural heritage and ethereal beauty. HISTORY OF OWARA KAZE NO BON The Owara Kaze No Bon Festival, originating in the Edo period (1603-1868), is a testament to the town's dedication to its agricultural roots. It is a celebration dedicated to the wind, believed to bring both blessings and destruction. The festival's primary aim is to pacify these winds, ensuring the protection of the town's crops and a bountiful harvest. This deep connection to the land and its traditions is a key part of the festival's appeal. What sets this festival apart is its hauntingly graceful dance, performed to the melancholy strains of traditional folk songs, often about the beauty of nature and the passage of time, and the plaintive sound of the kokyū, a Japanese fiddle known for its soul-stirring melodies. Unlike many other festivals in Japan, the Owara Kaze No Bon eschews boisterous parades for a more serene and reflective atmosphere. Dancers, clad in elegant yukata (summer kimono) and wearing wide-brimmed hats that obscure their faces, move slowly, deliberately, their silhouettes flickering in the soft glow of paper lanterns. YEARS OF TRAINING The local townspeople perform the dances, with groups divided into young men, young women, and older residents, each bringing a different flavor to the performance. These dancers undergo rigorous training, often starting in childhood, to perfect the intricate choreography and convey the festival's deep emotional resonance. Customs include nightly processions through the narrow, winding streets of Yatsuo, with townspeople and visitors carrying lanterns and chanting traditional songs. Homes and shops boast festive decorations, and the scent of incense wafts through the air, adding to the festival's mystical ambiance. The Owara Kaze No Bon Festival is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Yatsuo's residents and their dedication to preserving their cultural legacy. As the town lights up with the glow of countless lanterns and the gentle rustle of dance, one relives a time when the wind and the seasons dictate the rhythms of life.

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Sep

Ozone Layer Day, World (1987): September 16

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World Ozone Layer Day raises awareness about the condition of the ozone layer. It commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on this day in 1987 (resolution 49/114). On this day, educators make children perform activities that allow them to be more aware of the ozone layer condition. There are educational packages that educators can procure from the UN Environment Program.

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