All - Leep Calendar

Every August since 1985, competitors from around the globe descend upon Britain's smallest town, Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales, for a competition stuck in the mire: the World Bog Snorkelling Championships. The hamlet created the event as a novel fundraiser for a local community center; since the World Bog Snorkeling Championships have grown into an international attraction. Competitors, wearing snorkels and flippers and often dressed in outlandish costumes, are tasked with completing two consecutive lengths of a water-filled trench cut through a peat bog using only flipper power—no conventional swimming strokes are allowed. The 60-yard (55-meter) race attracts around 170 participants each year from nations as varied as Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Eire/Ireland, Finland, Poland, South Africa, and the US, testing their endurance, strength, and tolerance for cold, murky waters in an event that is as entertaining to watch as challenging to compete in. In addition to individual races, there are also categories for juniors, relay teams, and even a fancy dress competition, which adds to the festival-like atmosphere of the day. Additional activities and refreshments include food and drink stalls, crafts, a bouncy castle, live music, and an ale and cider bar. The World Bog Snorkeling Championships draw spectators and participants from far and wide, making it one of the most unusual and eagerly anticipated events in the British sporting calendar. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Aug

Norman Rayford Day (US-PA)(1972): August 28

06:20 AM | -

Norman Rayford was a unionist and a beacon of hope and compassion within the healthcare community of Philadelphia and medical unions nationwide. As part of the core group responsible for organizing 1199C under the leadership of President Henry Nicholas, he was instrumental in shaping the rights and privileges of healthcare workers in Philadelphia. His enthusiasm for social justice was clearly articulated in his speeches and public meetings. Rayford was there, on the frontlines, fighting for those who were often overlooked and underappreciated. He embodied the union's ideals, working tirelessly to ensure that hospital and nursing home workers in the area had their voices heard. Tragedy struck on August 28, 1972, when Norman's life was cut short in a confrontation with a hospital guard at Philadelphia's Metropolitan Hospital where he went to join the picket line—a gesture of solidarity that ended in his murder. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the community. His wife Kathy, pregnant with their first child, was left to mourn a husband who had dedicated his life to the greater good. But Norman's death was not in vain. The outrage and sorrow that followed led to a memorable march through the city. Thousands of healthcare workers, social activists, and sympathizers took to the streets, echoing Norman's spirit and resolve. It was a show of strength that proved impossible for hospital management to ignore. They finally agreed to negotiate, and a decision was reached. Norman Rayford's legacy continues with the establishment of Norman Rayford Day on August 28, a paid holiday for all 1199C members. But beyond the contracts and the holidays, his memory continues to inspire those who believe in justice, equality, and the dignity of work. Today, those at 1199C continue Norman's fight, honoring his memory and the cause of hope he championed for healthcare workers everywhere. In life and death, Norman Rayford remains a symbol of the power of unity, the importance of compassion, and the unbreakable will to change the world for the better.

Africa

Aug

Miami Spice (US-FL): August 1- September 30

06:20 AM | -

Initiated in 2001, Miami Spice is a two-month-long annual restaurant festival in Miami, Florida. Over 200 participating restaurants offer special three-course menus at reduced prices, usually for lunch/brunch and dinner, that showcase the best of Miami's diverse food scene, including Latin American, Caribbean, European, and American cuisines. Miami Spice encourages locals and visitors to explore Miami's culinary experiences at a more affordable price. It is a unique opportunity to try high-end restaurants or new dining spots that people might not usually consider. The official Miami Spice website includes the restaurants participating and the special menus for the event. These vary from year-to-year. Reservations are recommended, particularly at popular restaurants that tend to get booked quickly.

Africa

Aug

Air Force Day (US)(1907): August 1

06:20 AM | -

US Air Force Day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Aeronautical Division by the US Army Signal Corps. The Aeronautical Division was responsible for ballooning and other aerial objects. The first airplane used by the US Signal Corps took off from Fort Myer, Virginia August 20, 1908. Lt. Thomas Selfridge is the first aviation casualty. His plane crashed on September 9 of the same year.

Africa

Aug

Army Day (CN)(1927): August 1

06:20 AM | -

Army Day in the People's Republic of China marks the anniversary of the People's Liberation Army's founding in 1927.

Africa

Aug

Childfree Day, Intl.: August 1

06:20 AM | -

Created in 1973 by the National Alliance for Optional Parenthood, International Childfree Day is a celebration of adults who choose not to have children and their unique contributions to society.

Africa

Aug

Confederation Day, (CH)(1291): August 1

06:20 AM | -

Confederation Day in Switzerland marks the anniversary of August 1, 1291, when Switzerland created a pact with several territories to form the Swiss Confederation. Confederation Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Dogust, Universal Shelter Dog Birthday: August 1

06:20 AM | -

Created by the United State's largest no-kill shelter, North Shore Animal League's Dogust is the universal birthday for all shelter animals. Annually on August 1.

Africa

Aug

English-Style India Pale Ale Day, Ntl.: August 1

06:20 AM | -

National English Style India Pale Ale Day is the perfect opportunity to go to your local pub and order India pale ale. English Style India Pale Ale has a more defined malt taste due to the English hops and yeast used to brew it. English style contains less alcohol-by-volume(ABV) than similar Pale Ales made in the US. Founded in 2011 by beer evangelists and social media personalities Ashley Routson and Ryan Ross, IPA Day is a universal movement created to unite the voices of craft beer enthusiasts, bloggers, and brewers worldwide, using social media as the arena for connecting conversations. IPA Day is not the brainchild of a corporate marketing machine, nor is it meant to serve any particular beer brand. IPA Day is an opportunity for all breweries, bloggers, businesses, and consumers to connect and share their love of craft beer. It is an opportunity for the entire craft beer culture to combine forces and advocate craft beer through increased education and global awareness.

Africa

Aug

Girlfriends Day, Ntl.: August 1

06:20 AM | -

National Girlfriends Day celebrates your BFF of the female kind. National Girlfriends' Day isn't a romantic or lesbian holiday; it celebrates the unique relationships women create when they bond together. Celebrations generally include spa trips, shopping trips, and wine tastings, the kind of stuff most men avoid like the plague (which is the idea). Even the Center for Disease Control has gotten into this day's spirit with several suggestions and health topics of particular importance to women: http://www.cdc.gov/features/girlfriendshealth/. However you celebrate, this day is all about you and the girls. No boys allowed.

Africa

Aug

Independence Day, (BJ)(1960): August 1

06:20 AM | -

Independence Day in Benin marks the anniversary of August 1, 1960, the official declaration of Independence from the nation of France. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Lughnasadh: August 1

06:20 AM | -

The Wiccan celebration of Lughnasadh marks the year's first harvest, one of the more critical observances in the faith. This day may also go by August Eve, Lammas Eve, Lady Day Eve, or the Feast of Bread. Lughnasadh is a traditional harvest festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is one of the four major Celtic seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane. Its origins trace back to ancient Celtic culture, specifically Ireland, traditionally observed on August 1, or halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox. However, some will celebrate it on the Sunday closest to the 1st. The festival gets its name from Lugh, a prominent deity in Irish mythology. According to the lore, Lugh held the first Lughnasadh festival in honor of his foster-mother Tailtiu, a queen and earth goddess who died from exhaustion after clearing the lands of Ireland for agriculture. Lughnasadh traditions and customs focus on the grain harvest, with feasting, market fairs, games, and competitions taking center stage. The 'first fruits' tradition dictates that the first crop harvested be celebrated as a meal. The bread made from the harvest is called 'Lammas,' from the Old English phrase. 'hlaf-maesse,' which means 'loaf mass.' Ceremonies and rituals during Lughnasadh seek to ensure the harvest's continued success and the land's fertility. At dusk, bonfires burn to protect and cleanse, with celebrants jumping over the fires in search of blessings and purification. The Celts consider grain a living entity necessary to sustain life. Its harvest symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Today, Wicca and Druidism celebrate Lughnasadh as a religious holiday, folding historical and regional traditions with personal spiritual beliefs. Typical means of celebration include rituals, feasting, storytelling, dancing, and presenting offerings to deities and spirits.

Africa

Aug

Lung Cancer Awareness Day: August 1

06:20 AM | -

Created in 2011 to focus on lung cancer survivors, World Lung Cancer Day recognizes and remembers all those affected by the disease.

Africa

Aug

Mahjong Day, Ntl.: August 1

06:20 AM | -

Mahjong, or "the Sparrow Game," was created in China during the 19th Century. A strategy game for 3-4 players includes tiles (like dominos), luck, and abstract thinking (like the card game Rummy). Rules vary throughout the world and tend to borrow from local customs. The game includes 144 tiles with different symbols, usually Chinese, with each player beginning with 13 tiles. The game's objective is to create a winning hand of 14 tiles by winning, discarding, robbing other players, and drawing the optimal hand of four melds displaying the correct combination of characters or with a set of eyes (identical pieces). If you haven't had the opportunity to learn or play Mahjong, National Mahjong Day is your opportunity to discover a social game that will take you a lifetime to master!

Africa

Aug

Minden Day (UK)(1759): August 1

06:20 AM | -

The British Army celebrates Minden Day to memorialize those who lost their lives at the 1759 Battle of Minden during the Seven Years' War.

Africa