National Gumdrop Day
National Gumdrop Day celebrates the beloved cone-shaped, gelatin-based candy that’s coated in sugar and comes in various fruit and spice flavors.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 15th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalGumdropDay
- When was it founded?: Exact date unknown
- Who founded it?: Origin unclear, though modern gumdrops were created by Percy Truesdell in 1915
History
Gumdrops first appeared in print in 1859 when confectioner George Julier advertised “Fresh GumDrops” in The Illinois State Chronicle. The candy gained popularity throughout the late 1800s, becoming so beloved that by the 1890s, “gumdrop” became slang for sweetheart. The candy’s cultural impact expanded when it inspired features in the board game Candy Land and even influenced the naming of the Apollo 9 Command Module.
Timeline
- 1859: First printed reference to gumdrops
- 1915: Percy Truesdell creates modern, softer gumdrops
- 1945: Candy Land board game debuts featuring Gumdrop Mountains
- 1969: Apollo 9 Command Module named “Gumdrop”
Dates by Next Year 2025
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Feb | 15 |
| 2026 | Feb | 15 |
| 2027 | Feb | 15 |
| 2028 | Feb | 15 |
| 2029 | Feb | 15 |
Observed
The day is celebrated by enjoying gumdrops, decorating baked goods, playing Candy Land, and creating gumdrop crafts. Many people host gumdrop-themed parties or incorporate the candies into festive decorations.
Fun Facts About Gumdrops
Common flavors include cherry, orange, grape, lemon, clove, cinnamon, mint, and licorice. The candy’s versatility makes it popular for decorating gingerbread houses and cakes, especially during holiday seasons.
Quiz
- What shape are traditional gumdrops?
- Who created modern gumdrops?
- What NASA mission featured a command module named “Gumdrop”?
(Answers: 1. Cone-shaped, 2. Percy Truesdell, 3. Apollo 9)
FAQs
Q: Are gumdrops and spice drops the same?
A: Spice drops are gumdrops flavored with spices rather than fruit flavors.
Importance of National Gumdrop Day
This celebration highlights a classic candy that has influenced American culture, from gaming to space exploration, while providing a sweet excuse to enjoy these sugary treats.
Related
- National Candy Day
- Gummy Worm Day
- Candy Corn Day
- National Jelly Bean Day
