National Bubble Gum Day

Welcome, gum enthusiasts, to the delightful celebration of National Bubble Gum Day! Prepare your taste buds and get ready to blow some seriously epic bubbles because today is all about the chewy, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying world of bubble gum.

When is Bubble Gum Day?

It's national bubble gum day on the 5th February.

A Brief Internet History of National Bubble Gum Day

Now, you might be wondering how on earth National Bubble Gum Day came to be. Well, let me take you on a journey through cyberspace to uncover the origins of this sweet and playful holiday.

It all started back in 2006 when a creative and gum-loving teacher named Ruth Spiro wanted to find a fun way to raise money for her school. Inspired by the joy bubble gum brings to both kids and adults alike, she came up with the brilliant idea of designating a special day to celebrate this iconic confection.

With the power of the internet, Ruth's idea quickly spread like a pack of gum in a middle school classroom. People from all corners of the world caught wind of National Bubble Gum Day and joined in the fun by blowing bubbles, trading gum, and organizing events to raise funds for education.

Since then, National Bubble Gum Day has become a beloved annual tradition, celebrated on the first Friday of February. It's a day to embrace your inner child, enjoy the simple pleasure of chewing gum, and, of course, blowing some seriously impressive bubbles.

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Bubble Gum Day

Now that you know the fascinating internet history behind this bubbly holiday, let's dive into some fun ways to celebrate:

Host a bubble gum blowing contest: Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and see who can blow the biggest bubble without popping it. It's a test of skill, technique, and, most importantly, lung capacity.
Try unique bubble gum flavors: Bubble gum comes in all sorts of funky flavors these days. From cotton candy to watermelon, there's a gum flavor for every adventurous palate. Challenge yourself to try a new and unusual flavor and expand your bubble gum horizons.
Share the bubble gum love: National Bubble Gum Day is all about spreading joy and generosity. Consider donating to a local school or educational program to help provide resources for students. Every chew counts!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest bubble gum bubble ever blown measured a whopping 23 inches in diameter? It's true! In 1994, Susan Montgomery Williams of Fresno, California, set this incredible record. Talk about some serious bubble gum skills!

History behind the term 'Bubble Gum'

1928

The Invention

In 1928, a man named Walter E. Diemer, who was an accountant at the time, invented bubble gum. While working for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia, Diemer was experimenting with new gum recipes in the company's factory. During one of his experiments, he accidentally stumbled upon a formula that could produce bubbles that were larger and more durable than any other gum at the time. This accidental invention would revolutionize the chewing gum industry.

1928

The Invention of Bubble Gum

Bubble gum was invented by Walter Diemer, an accountant at the Fleer Chewing Gum Company. In 1928, Diemer stumbled upon a unique recipe while experimenting with gum bases. He created a gum that was stretchier and less sticky than traditional chewing gum. It became the first successful bubble gum and was named Dubble Bubble. Diemer's invention quickly became popular among kids and became the starting point for the bubble gum craze.

1930

The Introduction of Bubble Gum in the US

In 1930, the first bubble gum, Dubble Bubble, was introduced for sale in the United States. The Fleer Chewing Gum Company initially marketed it as 'a new type of chewing gum.' However, it quickly gained attention for its unique ability to blow bubbles, catching the interest of children and sparking the bubble gum trend across the country.

1937

The Introduction

Nine years after the invention, Diemer's bubble gum was introduced to the public under the name "Dubble Bubble." The first successful bubble gum, Dubble Bubble became an instant hit. It was pink in color and came in the form of a small, chewable ball. Dubble Bubble was sold for one penny per piece and quickly gained popularity among children and young adults. The introduction of Dubble Bubble marked the beginning of the bubble gum craze.

1947

The Bubble Gum Popularity Boom

Bubble gum's popularity skyrocketed in 1947 with the introduction of Topps Company's Bazooka Bubble Gum. This iconic brand of bubble gum came with comic strips featuring a character named Bazooka Joe. The inclusion of comic strips added an extra layer of entertainment, making bubble gum even more appealing to kids. Bazooka Bubble Gum became a huge success and solidified bubble gum's place in popular culture.

1950

Bubble Gum Trading Cards

In the 1950s, bubble gum trading cards became a significant cultural phenomenon. Bubble gum companies started including collectible cards, featuring images of popular celebrities, athletes, and comic book characters, inside their gum packages. This marketing strategy proved to be immensely successful and led to a surge in sales. Kids would enthusiastically collect these cards, trade them with friends, and try to complete sets. Bubble gum and trading cards became inseparable, creating a lasting cultural impact.

1950s

A Cultural Phenomenon and Bubble Gum Cards

During the 1950s, bubble gum became a cultural phenomenon, and it was common for kids to collect and trade bubble gum cards. These cards typically featured baseball players, celebrities, or popular characters. The cards were included inside packs of bubble gum to encourage repeated purchases and further fuel the bubble gum obsession among children.

1970

Bubble Gum Pop Music

The 1970s witnessed the rise of bubble gum pop music, a subgenre of pop music that targeted a young audience. Bubble gum pop was characterized by catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and upbeat rhythms. Artists like The Jackson 5, The Osmonds, and The Partridge Family dominated the bubble gum pop scene with their lighthearted and infectious tunes. Many of these songs became massive hits, topping the charts and captivating audiences worldwide. Bubble gum pop music captured the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on popular culture.

1964

Bubble Gum Gets Its Iconic Pink Color

In 1964, pink became the iconic color of bubble gum. Fleer Chewing Gum Company, the original inventors of bubble gum, started adding pink food coloring to their gum due to its popularity with consumers. The pink color quickly became synonymous with bubble gum, and to this day, it remains the most recognizable color associated with the sweet confection.

1997

Bubble Gum Blowing Competitions

Bubble gum blowing competitions gained popularity in the late 20th century, turning bubble blowing into a skillful art form. These competitions challenged participants to blow the largest bubbles possible using bubble gum. People of all ages participated, with some setting remarkable records for bubble size and longevity. Bubble gum blowing contests became a fun and exciting activity at county fairs, school events, and even international championships. The competitive aspect further solidified bubble gum's place in popular culture.

1970s

Bubble Gum in Pop Music

Bubble gum found its way into pop music during the 1970s. Bubblegum pop, a subgenre of pop music, emerged with catchy, upbeat songs that targeted a young audience. Artists like The Archies, The Jackson 5, and The Bay City Rollers gained popularity with their bubblegum pop hits. The term 'bubblegum' was now associated with a specific style of music, solidifying its cultural impact.