All - Leep Calendar

"Cook a Sweet Potato Day" is an unofficial culinary-themed observance dedicated to the sweet potato, a nutritious and versatile root vegetable. This day encourages people to explore and enjoy the various culinary possibilities offered by sweet potatoes, from traditional dishes to innovative recipes. "Cook a Sweet Potato Day" serves multiple purposes. It highlights the nutritional value of sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The day promotes culinary creativity, encouraging people to experiment with new recipes and cooking methods. Additionally, it's an opportunity to celebrate the cultural significance of sweet potatoes in various cuisines worldwide. The history of the sweet potato dates back thousands of years, with its origins believed to be in either Central or South America. Archaeological evidence suggests that sweet potatoes were cultivated in Peru as far back as 2500 BC. The crop spread throughout the Americas and, following European exploration, was introduced to other parts of the world. Today, sweet potatoes are a staple in many cuisines, valued for their flavor and nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are known for their versatility in cooking—baked, roasted, mashed, fried, and even used in soups and stews. In baking, they're popular in pies, especially in the Southern United States, where sweet potato pie is a traditional dish. Sweet potatoes can also be a healthy alternative to regular potatoes, often used in dishes like fries or wedges. YAMS VERSUS SWEET POTATOES One common question regarding sweet potatoes concerns their difference from yams. Although the terms are often used interchangeably in the United States, sweet potatoes and yams are, in fact, different species. Sweet potatoes are from the Morning Glory family, with smooth skin and varied flesh colors ranging from white to orange and even purple. They are native to the Americas. Yams, on the other hand, are from the Lily family. They are native to Africa and Asia, with rougher, darker skin and starchier flesh. Yams are less sweet and more dry in texture compared to sweet potatoes. The celebration of Cook a Sweet Potato Day can involve cooking and sharing sweet potato dishes with family and friends, participating in cooking competitions, or exploring new recipes through social media and cooking blogs. It's a day that appeals to food enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and anyone looking to add variety to their culinary repertoire.

Africa

Feb

Cornish Pasty Week (UK): February 22-28

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The Cornish Pasty Association established the Cornish Pasty Week to celebrate and promote this culinary icon. This week-long event, usually held in late February or early March, is a relatively recent addition to Cornwall's cultural calendar. It features a range of activities, including pasty-making demonstrations, competitions, and tastings. Local bakeries and chefs showcase their versions of the classic pasty, often adding creative twists to the traditional recipe. One of the highlights of Cornish Pasty Week is the 'World Pasty Championships,' held at the Eden Project, a popular attraction in Cornwall. This competition attracts bakers across Cornwall and beyond, all vying for the best traditional and non-traditional pasties. The event celebrates the pasty's history and encourages innovation in pasty-making. Cornish pasty is a traditional British dish deeply intertwined with the culture and lifestyle of Cornwall, England, tracing to the 13th century. Initially, pasties were a luxury food in royal courts, but by the 18th century, they became a staple for Cornish miners. The pasty's unique design, with a thick, crimped edge, made it easy to eat with dirty hands, and its hearty filling provided much-needed sustenance for long hours underground. The classic Cornish pasty includes a stuffing of beef, swede (rutabaga), potato, and onion, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. This combination, baked inside a shortcrust pastry, is delicious and practical. The robust crust acted as a handle, which miners could discard after eating the rest of the pasty, avoiding ingesting toxic substances from the mines. As the Cornish mining industry waned, the pasty remained a beloved symbol of Cornish identity and culture. Recognizing its significance, the European Union awarded the Cornish pasty Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2011, meaning only pasties made in Cornwall according to traditional recipes may be labeled as "Cornish pasties."

Africa

Feb

Crab Rangoon Day Ntl.: February 13

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Howdy! We're working on the description for this event. It's one of over two thousand events added to the calendar this year. We have verified it is an authentic event and have included the organization behind it for our members. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you were able to include it in your search for events this month and in this category. We appreciate your patience!

Africa

Feb

Crab Stuffed Flounder Day: February 18

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Simple yet elegant crab stuffed flounder is often available at finer dining establishments. If you enjoy stuffed chicken breasts, pork chops, or other main dishes combining flavors and textures, Crab Stuffed Flounder Day is your opportunity to try a new flavor and fall in love with your new favorite.

Africa

Feb

Crappiest Valentine Fundraiser Ever: February 1-14

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Finding Shelter Animal Rescue created a unique Valentine's Day fundraiser called the "Crappiest Valentine Ever," where for a $10 donation, individuals could have their ex's name written on a dog poo bag. This whimsical and slightly vengeful act aimed to help participants metaphorically dispose of their past relationships while supporting the shelter. The donations collected from this fundraiser cover the costs of medical care, food, and supplies for the dogs under the care of Finding Shelter. Like other inventive fundraisers including "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex," and "Cry me a Cockroach," this campaign creatively combines fundraising with community engagement, albeit it's not a widespread trend among animal rescue charities. If you're a dog fan with a nasty ex, check out Homeward Bound's "Neuter your Ex" fundraising campaign. For a donation, they'll spay or neuter a feral cat in your ex's name. Finding Shelter Animal Rescue's mission is to raise public awareness about the plight of animals and the benefits of adopting homeless animals in need of forever, loving care. They emphasize responsible pet ownership and ensure that all animals in their care are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and medically treated before adoption. Their goal is to make the best match possible between animals and adopters, carefully screening potential adopters to achieve this. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are estimated to enter US animal shelters annually. This number includes dogs and cats, with a relatively even split. However, these numbers can vary from year to year and depend on various factors, including efforts in spaying/neutering, adoption campaigns, and public awareness programs to reduce the number of homeless pets. Creative fundraising efforts are popular among zoos, aquariums, and animal charities, leveraging a mix of humor and the universal experience of dealing with past relationships to generate funds for a good cause. It's a testament to the innovative ways in which non-profits seek to engage the community and support their missions.

Africa

Feb

Cream Cheese Brownie Day: February 10

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Cream Cheese Brownie Day is one of the over 700 food-related holidays this year. There is no sponsor, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying this rich and decadent treat! It's simple. Take a fudge brownie and top it with cream cheese frosting or cut it in half and sandwich frosting in the middle. Enjoy!

Africa

Feb

Create a Vacuum Day (1862): February 4

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The idea for vacuum cleaners came about in 1599, but the first modern mechanized vacuum cleaner appeared on October 3, 1899. A hand-driven machine (you'll see it in the television show Upstairs/Downstairs) was patented on June 8, 1869. There is a historical reference to vacuums and February 4. On this day in 1862, Herbert W. C. Tweddle patented a system for distilling petroleum and similar substances via a vacuum created through steam. This invention helped pave the way for gasoline and many hydro-carbon oils we use today. Create a Vacuum Day may honor Tweddle's patent as the day's cross-reference. Regardless, this science holiday is a chance to look at all the modern conveniences that require vacuums, from floor sweepers to gasoline.

Africa

Feb

Creative Romance Month: February

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Creative Romance Month supports Valentine's Day and encourages couples to be creative in showing their affection without spending a lot of money.

Africa

Feb

Crêpe Day (FR): February 2

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Africa

Feb

Cribbage Day, Intl.: February 10

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Africa

Feb

Cry Me a Cockroach (US-TX): February 1-14

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The San Antonio Zoo is on to something with one of the most creative fundraisers we've ever seen. Animals have got to eat, and people need closure, and Cry Me a Cockroach solves both issues. Between February 1-13 each year, people with bad break-ups, brutal bosses, cruel colleagues, or obnoxious humans purchase a cockroach, leafy plant, or rodent and have it named for the difficult person. On February 14, the zoo feeds the named delicacies to the animals. Chomp, chomp, chomp—closure. Funds raised support the zoo's vision of securing a future for wildlife in Texas and worldwide. To participate and join in the fun, donate as little as five dollars and symbolically name a cockroach, rodent, or veggie after you're not-so-special someone.

Africa

Feb

Culture Day (SL)(1849): February 8

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In honor of Slovenian poet France Preseren, this national holiday celebrates all culture on the anniversary of his death, February 8, 1849.

Africa

Feb

Cupcake Day, Ntl. (CA): February 23

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National Cupcake Day in Canada is one of our favorite events in the LEEP Calendar due to the idea's tremendous success in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and England. How can you miss leveraging cupcakes, puppies, and kittens? The Canadian version began in 2013 and was started by The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA), with Petsecure pet health insurance underwriting. Cupcakes are donated and sold to raise funds to prevent animal cruelty and help furry friends find good homes. The first year raised over $400,000 in funds. Promotions in Canada include cupcake consumers donating to local animal groups or through participating bakeries. Church groups, social groups, and clubs throw cupcake parties to raise funds or feature cupcake decorating competitions. Photos posted on National Cupcake Day's Facebook page features winner, including best animal, most creative, kids' cupcake, and Valentine's day cupcake. It's a sweet, fun way to get creative and raise animal funds. This event occurs on the last Monday of February.

Africa

Feb

Curling is Cool Day: February 23

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Wellcat started this Curling is Cool to bring attention to the addition of curling to the Olympic sports line-up. The World Curling Federation describes the origin of curling thus: "Paintings by a 16th-century Flemish Artist, Pieter Bruegel (1530-1569), portrayed an activity similar to curling played on frozen ponds. The first written evidence appeared in Latin when, in 1540, John McQuhin, a notary in Paisley, Scotland, recorded in his protocol book a challenge between John Sclater, a monk in Paisley Abbey, and Gavin Hamilton, a representative of the Abbot. The report indicated that Sclater threw a stone along the ice three times and asserted that he was ready for the agreed contest."

Africa

Feb

Customized Wheel and Tire Day, Ntl.: February 28

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It's all about the wheels on your ride! National Customized Wheel and Tire Day is a day to take pride in your custom wheels or try an upgrade on your car. Wheel art is one type of self-expression that is creative and practical.

Africa