National Grape Popsicle day is celebrated on May 27 to celebrate grape Popsicles as well as the discovery of the Popsicle itself. People all around the U.S. celebrate the day by making homemade grape Popsicles. While the day is dedicated to grape Popsicles, you can make them in any flavor, like lemon, strawberry, watermelon, orange, cherry, and more. Invented by accident in 1905 in California, Popsicles are one of the most popular frozen treats in the U.S. People celebrate this day by sharing grape Popsicles and other varieties of Popsicles.
History of National Grape Popsicle Day
National Grape Popsicle Day is about celebrating yummy grape Popsicles. From homemade Popsicles to store-bought ones or even ones bought from the ice cream man himself — everything is about grape Popsicles today! Popsicles are a favorite treat for kids and adults of all ages. This frozen refreshing treat is the sweetest way to bring down the heat on a hot summer day.
Humans have enjoyed frozen desserts for millennia. The ancient Romans sent their slaves to the mountains to recover ice blocks, which would be crushed and served with fruits, syrups, and spices. In U.S. history, Thomas Jefferson used to entertain his guests with iced sorbets when they visited his plantation, Monticello, in Virginia.
In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson was on his porch at his San Francisco home making soda by mixing water with a white powdered flavor. He went inside but forgot to take the soda, leaving it outside with the stirring stick still in it. During the night, the temperature dropped and, the following morning, Frank found his drink frozen to the stick.
In 1922, a grown-up Frank introduced his treat at a fireman’s ball and it received great praise. And by 1923, he was selling his treat-on-a-stick in an amusement park in Alameda, California. Epperson called his frozen confectionery the ‘Epsicle’ ice pop. However, his kids called it ‘Pop’s ’sicle.’ He found the name catchy and finally patented it in 1924 in order to share his ‘Popsicle’ with the whole world!
National Grape Popsicle Day timeline
Epperson patents his invention, the ‘Epsicle,’ which he renames to ‘Popsicle,’ borrowing the name from what his children called his creation i.e. ‘Pop’s ‘sicles.’
The production of double-stick Popsicles is suspended as they are very messy and more difficult to eat than Epperson’s version.
Food corporation giant Unilever buys Joe Lowe Corporation to which Epperson had sold the rights to his creation in the 1920s.
Kevin Strahle of America sets the world record for the most ice Popsicles eaten in one minute — six.
National Grape Popsicle Day FAQs
What is healthier, Popsicles or ice cream?
Popsicles have less fat compared to ice cream. However, Popsicles are more like snacks, unlike ice cream, which is more of a comfort food or a proper dessert.
Is there a National Popsicle Day?
National Cherry Popsicle Day is celebrated on August 26, and National Grape Popsicle Day is celebrated on May 27.
Is there a National Fruit Day?
National Fruit at Work Day is a fruity holiday celebrated on the first Tuesday in October.
How To Celebrate National Grape Popsicle Day
Make yourself a grape Popsicle
Prepare homemade grape Popsicles to celebrate the day. Or you can buy them from the ice-cream man or an ice-cream parlor near you.
Throw a grape-Popsicles party
Invite family and friends over to your place for a grape-Popsicles party. Prepare grape Popsicles at home and celebrate the start of summertime.
Share on social media
Eat grape Popsicles after every meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and share this on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalGrapePopsicleDay.
5 Facts About Popsicles That You Didn’t Know
The frozen drink
The Popsicle was originally sold as “a frozen drink on a stick”.
The most popular flavor
The most popular Popsicle flavor is cherry, one of seven original Popsicle flavors, along with root beer, lemon, banana, orange, grape, and watermelon.
The dual Popsicle
The Twin Popsicle with two sticks was introduced during the Great Depression so that two children could share it for only a nickel.
Popsicle nation
More than two billion Popsicles are sold every year of more than 25 varieties.
The first ice cream truck
The first ‘ice-cream truck’ driver was a man in Nebraska who went around selling Popsicles to children in a horse-drawn cart.
Why We Love National Grape Popsicle Day
It helps to beat the heat
In summer, people are naturally attracted to something cold and delicious. Popsicles, and grape Popsicles especially, make for the perfect summer treat to beat the heat.
A simple snack of variety
What makes people love Popsicles is the fact that they are available in a variety of flavors, like banana, root beer, rainbow, and more. You just want to try them all out!
From ages six to 60
You’re never too old or too young to enjoy the snack. Grape Popsicles, and Popsicles in general, are a fun way to celebrate the simple pleasures of life.
National Grape Popsicle Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 27 | Tuesday |
2026 | May 27 | Wednesday |
2027 | May 27 | Thursday |
2028 | May 27 | Saturday |
2029 | May 27 | Sunday |