National Fried Clam Day celebrates a beloved New England seafood delicacy that combines fresh clams with crispy, golden batter for a uniquely delicious treat.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 3rd annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Seafood Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #FriedClamDay #NationalFriedClamDay
- When was it founded?: 2015
- Who founded it?: Woodman’s of Essex restaurant
History
The story began in Essex, Massachusetts, when Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman and his wife Bessie created the first fried clams on July 3, 1916. What started as a humorous suggestion from a local fisherman turned into a culinary innovation. The couple, who owned a small concession stand selling potato chips and fresh clams, decided to experiment by frying some clams. They debuted their creation during the town’s Fourth of July parade, and it became an instant success.
Timeline
- 16200 BC: First evidence of humans eating shellfish
- 1914: Woodmans open their seaside stand
- 1916: First fried clams created
- 2015: National Fried Clam Day officially established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 3 | Thursday |
| 2026 | July 3 | Friday |
| 2027 | July 3 | Saturday |
| 2028 | July 3 | Monday |
| 2029 | July 3 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is primarily celebrated in New England, where fried clams are a regional specialty. Restaurants often offer special deals, and many people make pilgrimages to Woodman’s of Essex, the birthplace of fried clams.
Fun Facts About Clams
- Clams have no nose, eyes, or head
- They can live up to 36 years
- There are approximately 150 edible clam species
- Clams use their feet to burrow into sand
Quiz
- Who invented fried clams?
- In which year were fried clams first created?
- Where was the first fried clam made?
-(Answers: 1. Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman and Bessie Woodman, 2. 1916, 3. Essex, Massachusetts)
FAQs
- How are fried clams made?
They’re dipped in buttermilk, coated in a flour mixture, and deep-fried until golden. - Are fried clams healthy?
While clams themselves are nutritious, the frying process adds calories and fat.
Importance of Fried Clam Day
This celebration honors both culinary innovation and New England’s coastal heritage. It recognizes a dish that has become deeply embedded in American seafood culture.
Related
- National Seafood Day
- National Clam Chowder Day
- New England Food Festival
- Independence Day (occurs the day after)