Each year on the third Saturday in October, card and candy-loving people in the Midwest and across the country will celebrate Sweetest Day by sharing happy notes and sweet treats. But what is Sweetest Day?
We get this question year after year–did American Greetings invent the holiday? The simple answer is no–we had nothing to do with it!
Sweetest Day was actually founded by a candy company (coincidentally also headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio) in the spirit of philanthropy during the Great Depression. Herbert Birch Kingston, often referred to as the founder of Sweetest Day, based the holiday on the premise that no matter how hectic life gets, it’s important to stop and spread cheer to not only the ill and disadvantaged, but also to friends, family, and loved ones who bring joy to daily life.
This occasion has traditionally been viewed as a Midwestern holiday, but as residents move outside of the area or send greetings to non-resident friends and family, they spread this sentimental tradition. While Ohio, Michigan and Illinois remain the top states for Sweetest Day sales, Texas, California and Florida are now listed among the top ten states celebrating the holiday.
Read the original article from The Cleveland Plain Dealer below:
The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1922
Do you celebrate Sweetest Day? What sweet treats will you be sharing this year?
