National Donut Day is an annual commemorative holiday celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June. History, activities and how to observe Donut Day?
The day is dedicated to honoring the history and cultural significance of donuts, a popular pastry that has been enjoyed by Americans for over a century. The holiday was established by the Salvation Army in 1938 to recognize the work of their “Doughnut Lassies” who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. Today, National Donut Day is celebrated by bakeries and donut shops across the country, who often offer special deals and promotions on their donuts. It is a day to indulge in this sweet treat and celebrate its role in American culinary history.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DONUT DAY
National Donut Day has a long and interesting history in the United States. The holiday was first established in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the “Doughnut Lassies,” a group of volunteers who served donuts to American soldiers during World War I.
During the war, the Salvation Army sent volunteers to the front lines in France to provide support and comfort to soldiers. The Doughnut Lassies, as they were known, would prepare donuts using a makeshift kitchen and serve them to the soldiers, along with coffee and other refreshments. The donuts quickly became popular among the troops, who appreciated the taste and the comfort they provided in difficult times.
After the war, the Salvation Army continued to serve donuts at their facilities and to raise awareness of the important role they played in wartime. In 1938, the organization established National Donut Day as a way to recognize the contributions of the Doughnut Lassies and to raise funds for their charitable work.
Since then, National Donut Day has become a beloved holiday in the United States, with bakeries and donut shops offering special deals and promotions to celebrate. It is a day to indulge in this sweet treat and to honor the history and cultural significance of donuts in American culinary history.
AMERICA’S TOP 10 FAVORITE DONUT CHAINS
Here are America’s top 10 favorite donut chains, based on a 2021 survey by the food and dining website Thrillist:
- Krispy Kreme
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Shipley Do-Nuts
- Tim Hortons
- Duck Donuts
- Voodoo Doughnut
- Daylight Donuts
- Top Pot Doughnuts
- Stan’s Donuts
- Federal Donuts
It’s worth noting that there are many excellent local and regional donut shops across the country that may not have made this list. When celebrating National Donut Day, it’s always a good idea to support your local businesses and try something new!
How to Observe National Donut Day
There are many ways to observe National Donut Day, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit a local donut shop or bakery: Many shops offer free or discounted donuts on National Donut Day, so it’s a great opportunity to try out a new place or revisit an old favorite.
- Make your own donuts: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own donuts at home. There are many recipes and tutorials available online to help you get started.
- Host a donut party: Invite friends and family over for a donut-themed party, with plenty of donuts, coffee, and other refreshments. You could even set up a DIY donut bar with different toppings and glazes.
- Learn about the history of donuts: Take some time to learn about the history and cultural significance of donuts in American culinary history. You could read a book or watch a documentary, or simply do some research online.
- Donate to charity: National Donut Day was originally established as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army, so consider making a donation to this organization or another charity that supports a cause you care about.
No matter how you choose to observe National Donut Day, it’s a fun and delicious holiday that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
NATIONAL DONUT DAY ACTIVITIES
National Donut Day is a fun and festive holiday that offers many opportunities for celebration and enjoyment. Here are some popular activities to consider:
- Visit a local bakery or donut shop: Many bakeries and donut shops offer special deals and promotions on National Donut Day, so it’s a great time to try out a new place or revisit an old favorite.
- Host a donut party: Invite friends and family over for a donut-themed party, with plenty of donuts, coffee, and other refreshments. You could even set up a DIY donut bar with different toppings and glazes.
- Make your own donuts: If you’re feeling ambitious, why not try making your own donuts at home? There are plenty of recipes and tutorials available online to help you get started.
- Donate to charity: National Donut Day was originally established as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army, so consider making a donation to this organization or another charity that supports a cause you care about.
- Learn about the history of donuts: Take some time to learn about the history and cultural significance of donuts in American culinary history. You could read a book or watch a documentary, or simply do some research online.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Donut Day is a fun and delicious holiday that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
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