Events Calendar

National Gumdrop Day

Celebration

Celebration

Annually, on February 15th.

Notes

Notes

Gumdrops, those squishy ambassadors of sweetness, lead a double life. By day, they lounge in candy jars, masquerading as mere treats. But by night, they embark on wild adventures across kitchen countertops, engaging in epic sugar-coated battles and staging elaborate dramas that rival any soap opera. Rumor has it, the green ones fancy themselves as aspiring stunt doubles for action movie stars, while the reds hold secret meetings, plotting to become the next big pop sensation. Amidst all this, the poor yellow gumdrops just can't seem to shake off their eternal dilemma: to be or not to be a lemon flavor, that is the question. In the world of gumdrops, every day is a rollercoaster of drama, laughter, and the occasional sticky situation.

Learn about the origins and types of gumdrops and how to make your own delicious gumdrop treats.

National Gumdrop Day
National Gumdrop Day
Mark The Day

Unleashing the Sweetness

So, you’re strolling along, enjoying the afternoon, when suddenly you encounter a sight so strange, it stops you in your tracks—a massive gumdrop, glittering with sugar, perched like royalty on a pedestal. Is this a candy-coated mirage? Nope. Welcome to National Gumdrop Day! February 15th is the day we honor the sugary, chewy treat that’s brought joy to countless candy bowls, gingerbread houses, and nostalgic hearts. And yes, it’s as whimsical as it sounds.

A Gumdrop on a Pedastal.The Origins of National Gumdrop Day

Why a day dedicated to gumdrops, you ask? Let’s hop back to the early 20th century, when candy-making was a blend of science, art, and a little bit of magic. Legend has it that a candy-loving inventor named Percy Trusdale was in the thick of experimentation, tinkering with syrups and gelatin to create the next big thing in sweets. One day, his “Eureka!” moment arrived—not as a polished candy creation, but as a batch of peculiar, chewy, sugar-coated drops that looked like something from a candy-coated dream. These weren’t the hard, crystal-clear candies people were used to; they were soft, sugary, and full of flavor, practically inviting people to keep popping them one by one.

Instead of tossing them as a failed experiment, Percy saw the potential for something new and enchanting. He packaged them up, spread the word, and in no time, gumdrops took the candy world by storm. People loved their unusual chewiness and vibrant colors, and soon they were a staple in candy dishes and holiday treats everywhere. And so, National Gumdrop Day was born to honor Percy’s “happy accident” and to celebrate the joy that a little sweetness and ingenuity can bring to life.

Whether you believe the tale or not, there’s no doubt that gumdrops have been sparking smiles and inspiring creativity for over a century.

From Classic Shapes to a Candy Zoo

Gumdrops aren’t just your average candy; they’re like edible rainbows, bursting with flavor and fun. You’ve probably encountered the classic round gumdrops, lined up in a candy dish like little soldiers. But the world of gumdrops doesn’t stop there! These colorful treats come in a wild array of shapes and sizes. From small, plump rounds to elongated ovals and quirky forms like fruits or even animals, gumdrops have something to offer every palate and personality. Imagine popping a green gumdrop shaped like a tiny frog or a red one that resembles a cherry; it’s practically a mini zoo for your taste buds!

And it’s not only the shapes that make them interesting. Each color offers a personality-packed flavor, from zesty lemon yellow to cozy cinnamon red, with flavors as bold as their hues. Some are tart, some are sweet, but all bring a smile with every chew. In a way, gumdrops are like the quirky artists of the candy world, adding a burst of color and character to everything they touch.

Get Creative

Sure, you can buy gumdrops by the bagful, but why not try making your own? With just a few ingredients, you can become a gumdrop artisan. Here’s how:

  1. Start with a mix of gelatin and sugar over low heat, stirring until it dissolves.
  2. Add your favorite fruit juice (orange, cranberry, or even grape), and give it a stir.
  3. Pour the mix into molds or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let it set in the fridge for a few hours.
  4. Once they’re firm, cut them into bite-sized pieces and roll them in sugar for that classic look.

Congratulations, you’re now a certified gumdrop chef! Share your sugary creations, gift them to friends, or keep them all to yourself—we won’t tell.

It's a Gumdrop Party!

Celebrating National Gumdrop Day in Style

Armed with gumdrop knowledge and a newfound respect for these colorful treats, it’s time to celebrate National Gumdrop Day like a true gumdrop connoisseur. Need some ideas?

  • Host a Gumdrop Gala: Decorate with gumdrops, serve gumdrop-inspired drinks, and end the night with a gumdrop piñata filled to the brim.

  • Hold a Flavor Challenge: Have a blindfolded taste test with friends to see who can guess the most gumdrop flavors. The winner gets a mountain of gumdrops or, if you’re generous, first dibs on the best flavors.

  • Create Gumdrop Art: Arrange gumdrops in fun patterns, faces, or even landscapes. Capture your artful masterpiece, snap a pic, and share it with the world using #GumdropArt. Because who wouldn’t appreciate a vibrant gumdrop Mona Lisa?

  • Spread the Sweetness: Give out bags of gumdrops to strangers, leave them as little surprises for your loved ones, or tuck a handful in your pocket for the next time you need a quick sugar boost.

As February 15th rolls around, let’s remember that National Gumdrop Day isn’t just about sugar highs and candy colors—it’s about embracing the sweetness in life. So grab a handful, let your imagination go wild, and savor the little things. And if you happen to see a giant gumdrop on a pedestal while you’re out, don’t question it. Just smile, take a picture, and remember that life is just better with a little extra sweetness.

Happy National Gumdrop Day!

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