National Farmers Market Week starts August 7, celebrate your local farmers market. Many markets have fun for kids, entertainment and of course fresh fruit and vegetable fresh from local farms.

Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. A lot of U.S. children will start school for the first time in September, August is the time to make sure they’re prepared emotionally. Talk to your child about school, let him/her know what to expect.

Romance Awareness Month This pretty much speaks for itself. In real life, hug your honey and do something for them. If you are a romance novel reader you may feel that every month is romance reader. The American Library Association book of posters, etc. shows actress Keira Knightly holding a copy of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Don't let anyone tell they did not know about romance in the early 1800's. Visit BellaOnline's romance novels column https://www.bellaonline.com/site/romancenovels

National Black Business Month. Encouraging consumers and institutions to visit at least one black-owned business on each of the 31 days of August.

National Catfish Month. Celebrating the work of U.S. catfish farmers. Most U.S. farm-raised catfish are produced in pure freshwater ponds on family-owned farms in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana, where many of these growers are second- or third-generation farmers.

National Golf Month. Whether you golf for money, enjoyment, or because you’re obsessed, National Golf Month gives you an excuse to hit the links a few more times before summer ends.


Weekly Events

National Psychic Week, Aug. 1-5. You don’t need to be a mind reader to enjoy this opportunity to thank your friendly neighborhood psychic, tarot card reader, or palmist. I will let you find a site on your own for this week, just type National Psychic Week. One day I may share with readers how a palmist changed my direction.

National Assistance Dog Week, Aug. 7-13. Assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners by providing friendly companionship and unselfish aid. National Assistance Dog Week recognizes and honors these hardworking animals, and it seeks to raise awareness and educate the public about how these specially trained animals are aiding so many people in our communities. For more information, visit www.assistancedogsinternational.org/

National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 7-13.The number of farmers markets in the United States has grown from 1,755 in 1994 to 6,132 today, as reported by the USDA National Farmers Market Directory. Get some fresh fruit and vegetables from your local farmers market this week and thank them for their hard work. Don't forget to visit your farmers market this week, times and places are usually in your hometown news paper.

National Safe at Home Week, Aug. 22-26.More injuries occur at home than in the workplace, and they tend to be more expensive as well. National Safe At Home Week promotes and encourages safety in and around the home to prevent needless injuries. There are various sites online that have information concerning this week. Choose the site that is best for you.


Daily Events

National Mustard Day, Aug. 6. Always the first Saturday in August. The Mustard Museum has been the official sponsor of this wonderfully spicy event since 1991. For more information visit https://mustardmuseum.com/annual-national-mustard-day/

International Beer Day, Aug. 5. Not to be confused with National Beer Day, April 7. An international celebration to enjoy a cold beer or two in the company of friends and express appreciation for the brewers and bartenders who provide it. For more information visit https://www.internationalbeerday.com/about/ Also visit the Beer andd Brewing site here at BellaOnline, https://www.bellaonline.com/site/Beer

International Homeless Animals’ Day, Aug. 20. Sponsored by the International Society for Animal Rights, this event features candelight vigils, adoption campaigns, microchip clinics, and other activities designed to raise awareness of pet overpopulation. For more information, visit https://www.isaronline.org/ihad.html

Waffle Day, Aug. 24. The anniversary of the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron, awarded to Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, N.Y., in 1869. His early waffle iron, used with a coal stove, consisted of a griddle and a cover, and required flipping the device to cook both sides of the waffle. Waffle Day is not be be confused with International Waffle Day which takes place in March. For more information, visit
https://www.swarthoutfamily.org/Famous/Waffle.htm Go on celebrate the waffle!

Women's Equality Day, Aug. 26. Celebrate women, celebrate their history, their struggles. Celebrate their strength. For more information visit https://www.nwhp.org/resourcecenter/equalityday.php