Regular readers know that I routinely provide ideas for tying publicity and marketing into observances.
For example, did you know that August 18 is Bad Poetry Day (www.wellcat.com)?This is a great opportunity for schools and writing groups to do surveys or contests. Ask people what their favorite bad poem is. Invite people to write bad poetry.
San Jose State University has done this very successfully for years with its Bulwer Lytton contest. The annual event, named after the writer of “It as a dark and stormy night,” asks people to write the worst beginning of a novel. The contest now gets entries from all over the world, and a great deal of publicity each year.
Here are some other observances for the month of August:
- Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month – blindness prevention www.preventblindness.org
- Get Ready for Kindergarten Month – celebrating a happy entry into kindergarten
- National Immunization Awareness Month – prevention of life-threatening diseases
- What Will Be Your Legacy Month – impact on future generations www.jirehpublishers.com
And here are some other days and weeks celebrated in August:
- August 1, 1990: Celebration of World Wide Web Anniversary
- August 3: National Mustard Day – celebrating mustard slathered on food www.mustardmuseum.com
- August 4 – 10: National Exercise With Your Child – encouraging parents and guardians to exercise with their children www.sheilamadison.com/exerciseyourchildweek.html
- August 4 – 10: Single Working Women’s Week – honoring single working women www.swwan.org
- August 4: Sisters’ Day – celebrating the spirit of sisterhood
- August 15: National Relaxation Day – improving lifestyle through relaxation
- August 18: Serendipity Day – celebrating unexpected discoveries www.serendipitydayholiday.com
- August 25, 1916: anniversary of the foundation of the National Parks
- August 26: National Dog Day – honoring the love and loyalty of dogs www.nationaldogday.com
What can you do with events like these?
