National Cotton Candy Day

Young boy in a colorful carnival setting joyfully holding a cotton candy swirl, wearing a vintage-inspired outfit, reminiscent of the 1950s.. — National cotton candy day illustration

Who doesn't love the delightful, cloud-like sweetness of cotton candy? A treat so airy yet sugary, it brings back a rush of childhood memories whenever it passes your lips. No wonder it has its own national day! Buckle up, folks, because we're about to take a whimsical ride on a sugar-spun carousel as we delve into the world of National Cotton Candy Day.

When is Cotton Candy Day?

It's national cotton candy day on the 7th December.

Origins of National Cotton Candy Day

Cotton candy, also known as fairy floss or candy floss, traces its roots back to the 1400s when Italian confectioners were twirling sugary threads into delightful treats. However, while the concept was great, the production was painstaking and slow. Skip a few centuries later and enter the cotton candy machine which not only made the production easier and faster, but also added a dose of magic seeing the sweet threads spun in real time. But when did cotton candy get its own national day? Let's find out!

When is it celebrated?

The 7th day of December each year is dedicated to the celebration of National Cotton Candy Day. The day pays homage to this delightful treat that has brought joy to many a kid and adult. And it's not just on the fun fair and circus calendars. The hype around this day peaks nearly every year with the most mentions we found being on 07 December 2016, where a whopping 3539 mentions were found scattered across the internet.

How do we celebrate National Cotton Candy Day?

Whether its pink, blue, or rainbow-colored, cotton candy is usually the highlight of any fair or carnival. On National Cotton Candy Day, you can celebrate in a number of fun ways! You could host a cotton candy party, visit a local fair to get your cotton candy fix, or even try and spin your very own cotton candy at home. And don't forget to share pictures of your fluffy treat on social media with the hashtag #NationalCottonCandyDay.

History behind the term 'Cotton Candy'

1897

The Invention

The history of cotton candy begins in 1897 when a dentist named William Morrison and a confectioner named John C. Wharton co-invented a machine that spun sugar to create a unique treat. They called their creation 'fairy floss' and introduced it to the public at the St. Louis World's Fair.

1904

Introducing the Name

In 1904, a candy maker named Thomas Patton introduced 'fairy floss' to a wider audience at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Wanting a name that would better reflect the lightness and fluffy texture of the treat, he renamed it 'cotton candy,' which stuck and quickly gained popularity.

1921

Commercial Production

In 1921, the first commercial cotton candy machine was invented and introduced to the market by the Gold Medal Products Company. This machine made it easier to produce large quantities of cotton candy, allowing it to become a staple at amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals.

1972

National Cotton Candy Day

On December 7th, 1972, National Cotton Candy Day was established in the United States to celebrate this delightful confection. It serves as an annual reminder of the sweet joy and nostalgia associated with cotton candy, as well as a tribute to its enduring popularity.

Present

Cotton Candy Innovations

Cotton candy has come a long way since its invention. Modern variations include different flavors, colors, and even unique combinations like cotton candy ice cream. Additionally, techniques such as glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and cotton candy art have added extra visual appeal to this beloved sweet treat.