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Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day
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Sweetest Day
Observed byGreat Lakes region
TypeLocal
CelebrationsGiving presents such as greeting cards and candy to loved ones.
DateThird Saturday in October
2024 dateOctober 19  (2024-10-19)
2025 dateOctober 18  (2025-10-18)
2026 dateOctober 17  (2026-10-17)
2027 dateOctober 16  (2027-10-16)
FrequencyAnnual

Sweetest Day is a holiday that is celebrated in the Midwestern United States,[1] in parts of the Northeastern United States, in Arizona, and in Florida on the third Saturday in October.[2] It is a day to share romantic deeds or expressions, and acts of charity and kindness.[3] Sweetest Day has also been referred to as a "Hallmark holiday" or a "concocted promotion" created by the candy industry solely to increase sales of sweets.[4]

Origin

[edit]
The 12 Cleveland committeemen who planned Cleveland's Sweetest Day, as published in The Cleveland Plain Dealer on October 8, 1922.
Full page Sweetest Day editorial published in The Cleveland Plain Dealer on October 8, 1922.

The first Sweetest Day was observed on October 10, 1921, in Cleveland. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's edition of October 8, 1922, which chronicles the first Sweetest Day in Cleveland, states that the first Sweetest Day was planned by a committee of 12 confectioners chaired by candymaker C. C. Hartzell. The Sweetest Day in the Year Committee distributed over 20,000 boxes of candy to "newsboys, orphans, old folks, and the poor" in Cleveland.[5] The Sweetest Day in the Year Committee was assisted in the distribution of candy by some of the biggest movie stars of the day including Theda Bara and Ann Pennington.[4]

There were also several attempts to start a "Sweetest Day" in New York City, including a declaration of a Candy Day throughout the United States by candy manufacturers on October 8, 1922.[6] In 1927, The New York Times reported that "the powers that determine the nomenclature of the weeks of October" decreed that the week beginning on October 10, 1927, would be known as Sweetest Week.[7] On September 25, 1937, The New York Times reported under Advertising News and Notes that The National Confectioners Association had launched a "movement throughout the candy industry" to rank Sweetest Day with the nationally accepted Mother's Day, Father's Day, and St. Valentine's Day.[8]

In 1940, another Sweetest Day was proclaimed on October 19. The promotional event was marked by the distribution of more than 10,000 boxes of candy by the Sweetest Day Committee.[9] The candy was distributed among 26 local charities. 225 children were given candy in the chapel at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children on October 17, 1940.[9] 600 boxes of candy were also delivered to the presidents of the Jewish, Protestant and Catholic Big Sister groups of New York.


Regional importance

[edit]

Retail Confectioners International describes the observance as "much more important for candymakers in some regions than in others (Detroit and Cleveland being the biggest Sweetest Day cities)".[10][11] The popularity in Detroit was greatly perpetuated by the Sanders Candy Company. Frederick Sanders was a large promoter of the holiday.[12] In 2006, Hallmark marketed 151 greeting card designs for Sweetest Day. American Greetings marketed 178.[3]

Sweetest Day observance is still most prevalent in the Great Lakes region, where the holiday originated, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.[13] According to Hallmark, "the once-regional celebration of Sweetest Day has spread throughout the country."[13] In addition to those states where it is "most prevalent", Sweetest Day is celebrated by communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia, bringing the total to 17 states.[14][2][15]

Criticism

[edit]

Since Sweetest Day was invented by commercial interests which stood to profit from such a holiday, critics refer to it as a "Hallmark holiday"[16] (although it was not invented by the Hallmark Cards company).

References

[edit]

Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sweetest Day

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from Grokipedia
Sweetest Day is an unofficial holiday observed annually on the third in October, primarily in the Midwestern and , where people express , appreciation, and affection through small gifts such as , flowers, or cards, as well as acts of charity toward loved ones and those in need. The holiday originated in , , on October 8, 1921, when advertising executive Herbert Birch Kingston, along with a committee of eight local manufacturers, distributed over 20,000 boxes of to orphans, newsboys, hospital patients, and residents of old-age homes to promote philanthropy and bring cheer to the less fortunate. This initiative revived an earlier concept known as "Candy Day," which had been launched in 1916 by the as a promotional event to boost but was canceled in 1917 due to sugar rationing during . By 1922, the observance had spread across and gained national attention, with early endorsements from celebrities like actress , who distributed to theater patrons during the first observance in 1921. Today, Sweetest Day is most prominently celebrated in the , including states such as , , , , and , though it has extended to parts of the Northeast like New York and , as well as other areas including and , primarily in about 11 states with as the leading celebrator. Observances often mirror aspects of but emphasize thoughtfulness and support for the vulnerable, with common activities including romantic gestures for partners, family outings, donations to charities, or random acts of kindness; commercial involvement from greeting card companies like Hallmark, which began producing Sweetest Day cards in the mid-1960s, has helped sustain its popularity.

Origins and History

Creation in Cleveland

Sweetest Day originated in , , in 1921, when advertising executive and philanthropist Herbert Birch Kingston, an employee of a local candy company, sought to promote acts of kindness and generosity toward the less fortunate. Inspired by an earlier national initiative called "Candy Day" that had been discontinued during due to sugar rationing, Kingston revived the concept to emphasize charitable giving beyond romantic gestures, focusing on uplifting orphans, shut-ins, hospital patients, and other underprivileged individuals during a period of economic hardship. He collaborated with eight local confectioners to form the "Sweetest Day in the Year Committee," which coordinated the effort to distribute over 10,000 boxes of as symbols of cheer and compassion. The inaugural observance took place on , 1921, which fell on the second Saturday of the month, marking a deliberate choice to align with a weekend for community participation. Kingston's initiative reached recipients across orphanages, senior homes, and charitable organizations in the area, with volunteers personally delivering the treats to foster a of connection and joy. To heighten public awareness, the event involved prominent figures, including silent film stars and Ann Pennington, who helped distribute at local theaters. This collaborative approach underscored Kingston's vision of Sweetest Day as a platform for everyday rooted in Cleveland's community values. Over time, the date of observance shifted to the third in for consistency, though the core emphasis on and giving to those in need remained a hallmark of its origins. Kingston's foundational work laid the groundwork for the holiday's identity as a locally born celebrating connection through simple, heartfelt acts.

Early Promotion and Expansion

Following the initial establishment of Sweetest Day in in 1921, local candy manufacturers intensified promotion through targeted advertising campaigns, leveraging newspapers and retailer partnerships to build awareness. The original Candy Day, launched by the on October 14, 1916, with the slogan "The Sweetest Day in the Year," had aimed to boost sales but was suspended in 1917 due to I-related sugar shortages. Kingston's 1921 initiative adapted elements of this framework locally, shifting the focus from purely commercial promotion to relational goodwill and charity, aligning with post-war sentiments of community support. The inaugural Sweetest Day on October 8, 1921, featured a four-page promotional insert in the Plain Dealer, highlighting charitable distributions of over 10,000 boxes of to orphanages and hospitals, with endorsements from stars like and Ann Pennington. These efforts extended into the , with local confectioners tying in retailer displays and community events to encourage purchases of sweets as tokens of affection; for example, in the early , Ann Pennington distributed boxes of to around 2,200 newspaper boys. By 1937, the attempted to amplify these campaigns nationally, seeking to elevate Sweetest Day alongside established holidays like , though the effort was unsuccessful. To optimize retail timing, the date of Sweetest Day shifted from the second Saturday in October to the third Saturday over time, better suiting store preparation cycles and avoiding overlap with other fall promotions. This adjustment helped sustain momentum into the , when the observance expanded to adjacent states such as and via regional candy associations and increased media coverage in Midwestern outlets. In , for instance, local confectioners' groups mirrored Cleveland's model, promoting the day through similar charitable tie-ins and press features that highlighted its relational themes.

Observance and Traditions

Date and Scheduling

Sweetest Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in , providing a consistent mid-autumn occasion for expressions of and . This scheduling ensures the holiday falls between October 15 and October 21, positioning it after (the second Monday in October) but before Halloween on October 31. The fixed date allows for reliable planning in retail and community activities, aligning with the seasonal transition toward cooler weather in the Midwest. The observance traces its roots to the early , when the inaugural Sweetest Day event occurred on October 8, 1921—the second Saturday of the month—in , . This timing drew from the earlier "Candy Day" initiative of 1916, also set on the second Saturday in October by the to promote candy sales and goodwill. During and , celebrations varied between the second and third Saturdays across Midwestern communities, reflecting regional adaptations. By the mid-, the date had standardized to the third Saturday, establishing the current convention without documented shifts tied to specific external conflicts. Unlike major holidays, Sweetest Day lacks federal or state recognition , operating as an informal, voluntary tradition primarily in the Midwest and select other regions. Participation relies on local customs and commercial promotion rather than official mandates, emphasizing its grassroots origins in over mandated observance.

Gifts and Celebratory Practices

Sweetest Day is marked by the tradition of exchanging small, inexpensive gifts such as bars, flowers, cards, and baked goods to express appreciation to friends, family members, coworkers, and individuals in need, including residents of nursing homes and orphanages. These gestures emphasize and gratitude, extending beyond romantic partners to foster inclusivity across all types of relationships, unlike the more romance-focused . Acts of form a central part of the observance, including surprise visits to loved ones, sharing homemade treats, and making charitable donations, which echo the holiday's origins in 1921 when philanthropists distributed candy to orphans, hospital patients, shut-ins, and the underprivileged. In contemporary celebrations, participants often share shoutouts to publicly acknowledge appreciation for others, while communities host group events such as "Sweetest Day parties" or themed gatherings that promote collective acts of generosity and fun.

Regional and Cultural Significance

Popularity in the United States

Sweetest Day is primarily observed in the of the , with the highest levels of recognition and participation in states such as —particularly around its origin city of —, , , and parts of . In these areas, the holiday maintains strong cultural footing, often marked by local retail activity and community awareness, stemming from its early 20th-century expansion from . Secondary popularity exists in portions of the , including New York and , where observance is typically driven by urban retail promotions rather than widespread tradition. Sales data indicate lower but notable engagement in these states compared to the Midwest core. Recognition declines significantly outside these core and secondary zones, remaining niche or largely unknown in the and on the West Coast, except in select areas like , , and , where it appears in top sales rankings but lacks broad cultural penetration—often limited to communities with ties to Midwestern immigrants. The holiday's spread has been influenced by migration patterns, particularly from , where residents have introduced the observance to new locations upon relocating. Additionally, persistent marketing efforts by the candy industry throughout the contributed to its gradual dissemination beyond the , leveraging promotional campaigns to boost seasonal sales in emerging markets.

Community and Philanthropic Role

Sweetest Day has maintained its philanthropic roots since 1922 through organized drives led by nonprofits and community groups, focusing on distributing sweets and small gifts to vulnerable populations such as children in need, the elderly, and the homeless. The Sweetest Day Foundation, established in 2023, continues this tradition by assembling and delivering gift bags filled with treats to underprivileged children in shelters across , beginning in and expanding to cities like Columbus and for annual outreach events; as of 2025, the foundation plans further expansion to all Ohio shelters with nationwide goals. Similarly, organizations like One Family tie the holiday to support for youth in out-of-home care, encouraging donations and fostering efforts to provide educational and emotional resources that echo the original distributions of over 10,000 treats to orphans and homebound children. In Midwest communities, particularly those with strong working-class ties like , the holiday plays a key role in fostering everyday and emotional support by promoting simple acts of appreciation beyond romantic contexts. Originating as a response to the needs of overlooked groups such as and the underprivileged in early 20th-century industrial areas, Sweetest Day encourages gestures like sharing treats or notes to build community bonds and provide uplift during challenging times. Annual events exemplify this communal focus, including the Sweetest Day Foundation's give-back weeks and fashion galas that partner with other nonprofits to fund distributions, as seen in 2024 collaborations raising awareness and resources for children's shelters. Community volunteers, often from , participate in meal deliveries with added sweets to brighten the day for homebound seniors, as organized by the Lake County Council on Aging. In , groups have marked the day by cooking and serving full meals at women's and children's homeless shelters, blending food provision with acts of goodwill. Over time, these practices have reinforced values of inclusivity and non-romantic in regional traditions, positioning Sweetest Day as a platform for compassionate to the marginalized rather than exclusive romantic celebration. By emphasizing charity and small kindnesses to orphans, seniors, and the needy, the holiday sustains a legacy of emotional support that extends to friends, family, and strangers alike in Midwest locales.

Criticism and Modern Perceptions

Commercialization Debates

Sweetest Day has frequently been labeled a "Hallmark holiday," a term used to describe observances perceived as manufactured primarily to drive sales of greeting cards, candy, and other gifts, with heavy promotion by firms dating back to the 1920s and later by greeting card companies like starting in the mid-1960s to capitalize on the slower retail period following Halloween. This characterization stems from its origins tied to commercial interests, evolving from the National Confectioners Association's 1916 "Candy Day" initiative, which explicitly aimed to promote purchases by designating the second Saturday in as a day for buying and sharing sweets. The association's campaigns positioned candy as central to the observance, encouraging consumers to express through purchases, which helped establish Sweetest Day as a for boosting off-peak sales in the industry. In participating Midwest regions, where the holiday retains the strongest observance, retailers report targeted upticks in sales of sweets and flowers, though these increases are modest compared to major holidays like , serving more as a niche driver for local florists, card shops, and candy stores. Critics have long argued that such promotions create artificial demand, akin to other invented holidays designed to stimulate without deeper cultural roots, with detractors pointing to the involvement of industry groups as of profit motives overshadowing any original charitable intent. This perspective gained traction in media discussions, framing Sweetest Day as an example of how commercial entities engineer seasonal buying frenzies to extend holiday commerce beyond traditional dates.

Limited Recognition and Cultural Critiques

Sweetest Day enjoys limited national recognition in the United States, remaining largely obscure outside specific regional pockets. Observance is concentrated in about 11 states, primarily in the Midwest such as , , and , along with parts of the Northeast, , and . This confinement underscores its lack of widespread familiarity, with sources describing it as "hardly known" beyond these areas, where it originated and persists as a local tradition. Cultural critiques frequently portray Sweetest Day as outdated and redundant in light of established holidays like , which already emphasizes romantic gestures and gift-giving. Often dubbed a "bonus" or "second ," it is seen by some as superfluous amid a crowded of affection-focused observances. Furthermore, the holiday's traditions reinforce stereotypes, with celebrations typically involving women presenting small gifts like or cards to men in their lives, inverting typical expectations but still tying to gendered expectations of reciprocity. In contemporary society, perceptions of Sweetest Day are shaped by , where it is occasionally mocked as a "fake " invented for commercial gain or dismissed as a peculiar regional quirk unfamiliar to most Americans. This online skepticism highlights its marginal status, with discussions often expressing surprise or amusement at its existence outside strongholds like and .

References

  1. https://ohiomemory.ohiohistory.org/archives/5519
  2. https://corporate.hallmark.com/holidays-occasions/sweetest-day/
  3. https://nationaltoday.com/sweetest-day/
  4. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2025/10/sweetest-day-mouthwatering-mythology-thats-classic-cle.html
  5. https://www.news5cleveland.com/entertainment/around-town/sweetest-day
  6. https://www.mimivanderhaven.com/the-origins-of-sweetest-day-updated
  7. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2010/10/octobers-original-candy-holiday-candy-day/65125/
  8. https://www.hallmark.com/about-sweetest-day/
  9. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/10/15/when-is-sweetest-day-2025-what-to-know-about-the-midwest-holiday/86500381007/
  10. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/sweetest-day
  11. https://www.dictionary.com/e/historical-current-events/sweetest-day/
  12. https://www.odealarose.com/blog/sweetest-day-gifts/
  13. https://www.retailconfectioners.org/blogpost/1854183/346471/Throwback-Tip-165-Celebrate-Sweetest-Day
  14. https://www.1800flowers.com/articles/celebrate-occasions/when-is-sweetest-day
  15. https://www.lovecertificate.app/blog/sweetest-day/what-is-sweetest-day-americas-most-underrated-romantic-holiday/
  16. https://mobile.rschooltoday.com/post/sweetest-day-quotes-inspire-romance
  17. https://www.wkyc.com/article/life/people/mike-polk-jr/sweetest-day-cleveland-mike-polk-jr-history-holiday/95-dab7ab14-35d6-4509-b767-a095816e130f
  18. https://www.peoplesflowers.com/blog/national-sweetest-day-kindness/
  19. https://www.holidaysmart.com/articles/leveraging-october-daily-holidays-social-media-marketing
  20. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3096055203827364/posts/23983560817983498/
  21. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPwaKPcjWR9/
  22. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/10/20/sweetest-day-2023-saturday-october-21-holiday-midwest/71254130007/
  23. https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2024/10/18/sweetest-day-hallmark-holiday-cleveland-ohio-candy/75737690007/
  24. https://theromantic.com/sweetestday.htm
  25. https://lovetrackapp.com/articles/sweetest-day/
  26. https://www.marcs.com/Smart-Living/Blog/October-2015/The-Origin-of-Sweetest-Day
  27. https://www.news5cleveland.com/entertainment/how-a-cleveland-candy-maker-created-the-holiday-known-as-sweetest-day
  28. https://www.sweetestdayfoundation.com/
  29. https://www.kxan.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/752882798/sweetest-day-foundation-celebrates-a-week-of-giving-back-in-cleveland/
  30. https://onefamilyillinois.org/sweetest-day-history-of-giving-to-youth-in-out-of-home-care/
  31. https://www.lovecertificate.app/blog/sweetest-day/10-sweet-gestures-for-sweetest-day-that-go-beyond-candy/
  32. https://www.sweetestdayfoundation.com/copy-of-home
  33. https://www.lccoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BridgeWinter2020Online.pdf
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSzV7xDahXU
  35. https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/819301/sweetest-day-a-holiday-for-men/
  36. https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/fall-ideas/what-is-sweetest-day/
  37. https://www.newsweek.com/midwest-celebrates-not-so-sweet-sweetest-day-92277
  38. https://www.businessinsider.com/the-7-most-ridiculous-holidays-that-hallmark-sells-cards-for-2012-2
  39. https://wcrz.com/why-sweetest-day-is-basically-a-midwest-bonus-valentines-day-5-facts/
  40. https://www.wfla.com/community/holidays/what-is-sweetest-day-and-why-is-it-only-celebrated-in-the-midwest-and-florida/
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