What day is National Doughnut Day? There are two national days. Most celebrate it on the First Friday of June, i.e. June 1, 2018, June 7, 2019, June 5, 2020, while others celebrate it on November 5. Why not celebrate them both!
What is National Doughnut Day? National Doughnut/Donut Day celebrates the doughnut, which is also spelled donut. We affectionately call anything a doughnut if it is a piece of sweet dough that is deep-fried and sweetened. Doughnuts are typically usually ring-shaped, but they now come in many flavors, shapes and sizes, and are even drizzled with toppings and glazes.
Who created National Doughnut Day? The original National Doughnut Day was created by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938. National Donut Day started in 1938 as a fundraiser for The Salvation Army during the Great Depression. It also was intended to honor The Salvation Army ladies of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers. Donuts were an easy baked good that could be given to soldiers on the front lines. They were an instant hit. The Red Cross also kept the tradition going by distributing donuts to soldiers in the Second World War.
As an interesting aside, American POWs creatively told their captors that the birthday of the United States Marine Corps was National Donut Day, and were treated with donuts at Son Tay prison camp by the North Vietnamese.
Is it National Doughnut Day or Donut Day? Many people ask which spelling is correct, doughnut or donut. The original spelling for the delicious deep fried dough is doughnut. But in 1950 “Dunkin Donuts” opened chains across America and gave folks not only a new way to spell doughnut, but gave us a wonderful way of eating “donuts” in so many delicious flavors. The name donut stuck, and is increasing in popularity. Although the Associated Press Style Guide and most grammar expert prefers the spelling of doughnut, Merriam-Webster has included donut as an alternative spelling. However you choose to spell it, just enjoy the delicious dessert.
How to celebrate: Celebrate the day by eating a donut! Dunkin Donuts usually gives away a free donut, so you might want to start spelling it National “Donut” Day. Other stores also give away a free donut on this day too, so make plans to get a treat. Feel free to also treat your friends, family or co-workers to these delicious baked goodies.
What is the hashtag? Hashtags for this National Day include, you guessed it both: #NationalDoughnutDay and #NationalDonutDay.
What other national days are there for donuts? Another national day exists for donuts, consisting of Cream Filled Donut Day on September 14.
Seize Your Day!