Today is National Jelly Bean Day

Everybody knows that today is Earth Day. It's also National Jelly Bean Day, although I don't know why it's on April 22nd. I personally think that it's celebrated today because it's a great way to get rid of all the leftover jelly beans from Easter.

Jelly beans were made by a Boston confectioner by the name of William Schrafft in 1861. He urged people to send his jelly beans to soldiers during the American Civil War.

Until the 1930's the jelly bean was associated specifically with Easter but if you ask my Dad, he'll tell you that they are to be enjoyed all year long. Jelly beans were President Ronald Reagan's favorite treat, he would keep a jar of them on his desk at the White House.

Reagan sent a jar of jelly beans with the 1983 Challenger crew as a surprise for the astronauts. That means he was the first to launch jelly beans into space....if you don't count tossing them in the air and catching them in your mouth.

If you have extra jelly beans that you want to get rid of, see me (59 Court Street, Binghamton) and I'll make sure they get to my Dad...Most of them anyway.

HAPPY JELLY BEAN DAY!

[National Day Calendar]