This week, many communities across the US celebrated Mardi Gras (and are still celebrating). They listened to festive music, wore elaborate costumes, took part in dubious bead exchanges, and enjoyed strong drink and dancing in the streets—along with a host of traditional New Orleans cuisine like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and King Cake. Around here, we had our own Mardi Gras parade through the streets of downtown Buffalo as we dined on our beloved Paczki.
But, Mardi Gras isn’t the only holiday happening this week. Did you know that today is National Frozen Food Day? Sure, it might not have the cultural or religious significance of Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Ash Wednesday—but you have to admit: it does sound pretty American.
What’s National Frozen Food Day?
Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 193, designated March 6, 1984, as “Frozen Food Day” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation upon this occasion.
In Proclamation #5157, President Ronald Reagan said: “Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 6, 1984, as Frozen Food Day, and I call upon the American people to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” And, so this became a true National day of recognition and celebration.
How Do You Celebrate National Frozen Food Day?
OK, so the above description might be a little vague. However, it is assumed that Americans ought to celebrate this day by utilizing the food-preserving technology of the household freezer and enjoying those tasty frozen delights that may have been hiding unseen in the back of the appliance for the past year.
So, dig out that bag of frozen berries you didn’t know you had, that half-empty box of Hot Pockets you don’t remember buying, and that chocolate-covered banana you tried making last July, and have at it!
Happy National Frozen Food Day!
-Carrie and Jerry Boye
