National Bubble Gum Day
Chewy, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this sweet treat is perfect for blowing bubbles and bringing a smile to your face.
For some reason, chewing gum for me gets my brain going.
Brie Larson
Chewing gum, for many people, is associated with the ability to think more clearly. Something about keeping the mouth closed and the jaw moving chewing makes the brain just focus in and start concentrating.
This is the very reason that Bubble Gum Day came into existence, with the twin goals of generating charity contributions and also allowing kids to chew gum in school for the special event.
So bring out those two quarters, make a donation, and get to chew gum in school all day!
Isn’t it about time there was something to take your mind off of that Calculus project? Even those who don’t happen to be in school can still choose to celebrate National Bubble Gum Day, though. No one who wants to join in should be excluded!
How to Celebrate National Bubble Gum Day
How this day will be best celebrities probably depends on each person’s role. But certainly anyone can find some way to really enjoy the day! Try out some of these ideas:
Participate in National Bubble Gum Day at School
For those who are a student or employee at an institution that is celebrating National Bubble Gum Day, they can make their donations and enjoy their gum!
For those who are teachers or principals of a school, take this opportunity to organize an event around National Bubble Gum Day, and use it to help debunk some of the beliefs that surround bubble gum. Also, engage the student body in choosing a charity to support!
Businesses can participate as well, just let everyone know, vote on a charity, and then enjoy that bubble gum. And perhaps adults would be able to participate by donating more than just the 50 cents that kids do!
Learn Fun Facts About Bubble Gum
Entertain the kids, friends or family by sharing these bits of trivia revolving around gum and bubble gum:
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Bubble Gum Is Just Not That Dangerous
The dangers of bubble gum have been burned into many kids’ brains since a very young age. But some of those just aren’t true. The biggest one? Gum doesn’t stay in a person’s system for seven years if they swallow it.
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Bubble Gum Bubbles Can Be Huge
In fact, the biggest one ever blown was measured to be 20 inches in diameter! It was blown by Chad Fell from Alabama in 2004, and he used three pieces of Double Bubble bubble gum to set the Guinness World Records.
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Tons of Bubble Gum is Chewed Each Year
As it turns out, people all over the world chew what amounts to about 100,000 tons of bubble gum each year.
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The Chomp Title Goes to Richard Walker
This means that Mr. Walker holds the record for chewing gum for the longest continuous stretch. In his case, it was chewing 135 sticks of gum successively for eight hours straight.
Enjoy and Share Some Bubble Gum
Appreciating National Bubble Gum Day doesn’t have to be complicated! It might just be about enjoying a piece of bubble gum and sharing the rest of the pack with a friend, family member or coworker.
Grab some Hubba Bubba, Double Bubble or another bubble gum that’s a favorite and get to blowing those bubbles!
History of National Bubble Gum Day
While chewing gum has been around for a long time, bubble gum was invented in 1928 when the first commercial bubble gum was created: Double Bubble.
But this is more than just a day to celebrate the existence or invention of a sweet and chewy treat. Although that, in itself, is probably worth celebrating, this day has bigger ideas behind it.
National Bubble Gum Day was started in 2006 when children’s book author, Ruth Spiro, decided that the world needed a day focused around education, philanthropy and, best of all, bubble gum. She started the day to raise funds for school activities without the children having to sell something to family members, friends or neighbors.
And she knew there was one thing that would motivate children to bring a couple of quarters in with them to school–Bubble Gum!
It was such a phenomenal success that an entire institution built up around it, encouraging philanthropy in children and allowing various schools to support a charity that fits the beliefs and policies of the school.
And It’s not just for schools either! Businesses, libraries and community centers have all been known to hold events centered on Bubble Game Day because charity isn’t limited to educational institutions.
Ruth Spiro produces some of the most amazing children’s books out there, including Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist, Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering, Baby Loves Quarks, and many other odd and quirky books aimed at giving children valuable information while entertaining them with bright colorful books aimed at engaging their mind.
She firmly believes that it is never too early to engage children’s curiosity, and get them asking questions about their world.
Sure they probably aren’t going to be able to comment on these books at six months old. And while it’s probably a little too early to allow them to chew bubblegum, it’s never too early to start packing their brains with interesting topics that can lead them to explore the world around them and love learning!
So get ready to enjoy everything about National Bubble Gum Day and remember that it is all for a good cause.
National Bubble Gum Day Timeline
7000 BC
Some Europeans chew on birch bark tar
Evidence suggests that humans have had a penchant to gnaw on a chewy item for a long time! Even 9000 years ago, some northern Europeans may have chewed on the tar that comes from birch bark–perhaps for enjoyment as well as for medicinal reasons.[1]
1540
Publication offer social rules for chewing gum
Written by a friar, a series of books documents the various social norms for Aztec peoples, including the rule that men and married women who chewed gum in public were considered to be “bad” people. Children and old women were exceptions.[2]
1928
Bubble gum is invented
A man named Walter Diemer, who worked at a chewing gum factory in Philadelphia, came up with a gum formula that was stretchy, allowing bubbles to be blown in it. The result was Double Bubble Bubblegum. Incidentally, pink was the only food coloring available, so that’s what they used–and it stuck![3]
1930
Comics enter bubblegum wrappers
As an incentive for purchase, black and white comics were placed inside the Double Bubble Bubblegum wrappers, featuring characters named “Dub” and “Bub”. These became all the rage with kids so other brands eventually followed suit, including the famous, Bazooka Joe.[4]
2006
First National Bubble Gum Day is celebrated
Created by children’s book author, Ruth Spiro (also a mom of two children), this day was inspired as a way for children to raise money for school without having to hold fundraisers. It was created as the one day of the year where kids are allowed to chew gum! But they pay for the privilege and the money goes to the special projects.[5]
National Bubble Gum Day FAQs
What inspired the creation of Bubble Gum Day?
Children’s author Ruth Spiro established Bubble Gum Day in 2006. She aimed to combine fun with philanthropy, allowing students to chew gum in school in exchange for a small donation to charity.
This initiative encourages children to support charitable causes while enjoying a treat typically banned in classrooms.
How did bubble gum become associated with comic strips?
In the 1930s, the Fleer Company added comic strips to Dubble Bubble wrappers to boost sales. This marketing strategy entertained consumers and became a signature feature of the brand.
Are there any unique global traditions for celebrating Bubble Gum Day?
While primarily observed in the U.S., some international schools and organizations have adopted Bubble Gum Day.
They host events like bubble-blowing contests and use the occasion to fundraise for local charities, blending fun with community support.
What is the origin of the term “bubblegum music”?
In the late 1960s, “bubblegum music” described upbeat, catchy pop songs aimed at young audiences. The term reflects the music’s light, fun nature, similar to the experience of chewing bubble gum.
Is it true that chewing gum can improve concentration?
Yes, studies suggest that chewing gum may enhance concentration and memory. The act of chewing increases blood flow to the brain, potentially boosting cognitive performance.
How did bubble gum get its distinctive pink color?
Walter Diemer, who invented bubble gum in 1928, used pink dye because it was the only color available at the time. This choice led to pink becoming the standard color for bubble gum.
What is the largest bubble ever blown?
The Guinness World Record for the largest bubble gum bubble is 20 inches in diameter. Chad Fell achieved this feat in 2004 using three pieces of Dubble Bubble gum.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with bubble gum?
Yes, traditional bubble gum is not biodegradable. Improper disposal can lead to environmental pollution. Some companies are developing eco-friendly alternatives to address this issue.
How did bubble gum play a role during World War II?
During World War II, bubble gum was included in U.S. soldiers’ rations. It served as a morale booster and a reminder of home.
Is there a place known for its bubble gum-covered walls?
Yes, Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California, is famous for its walls covered in used bubble gum. This quirky landmark has been accumulating gum since the 1950s.
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