International Cherry Pit Spitting Day
July 5, Saturday
What is this holiday:
This unusual and fun holiday is dedicated to the art — and competitive practice — of spitting cherry pits for distance. It originated in the USA and quickly became a favorite activity at summer festivals and farmers' markets. The holiday combines humor, a spirit of competition, and a love of cherries.
History:
The holiday was created thanks to the Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Michigan, where the first cherry pit spitting competitions were held in 1974. Since then, the event has gained wide recognition and become an annual occasion that gathers participants from around the world.
How it is celebrated:
The holiday is marked as a fun contest where participants try to spit a cherry pit as far as possible with maximum force and accuracy.
Events often include:
• Competitions among different age groups
• Tastings of cherry-based desserts
• Costume contests with a cherry theme
• Live music and family games outdoors
Records:
The official world record for cherry pit spitting distance belongs to Rick Krause — it exceeded 28 meters. This record is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Fun fact:
Participants use special breathing and body position techniques to achieve the best results. Some even train in advance using “practice” pits!
Why celebrate:
The holiday highlights the joy of simple summer pleasures, the importance of harvest-related traditions, and cheerful social interaction. It's a great way to enjoy time outdoors, especially with children and friends.