Nationaldaycalendar.com listed off so many cool lollipop pop culture moments that I just HAD to write a post about National Lollipop Day. At first I thought the topic of lollipops would be completely whimsical but when I dove in deeper, I decided that it was my “civic duty” (kidding) to share some information about lollipops in order to give this sweet treat the respect that it deserves. Get ready because on July 20th people throughout the nation should be celebrating the lollipop.

Check out this paraphrased version of pop culture moments that I pulled over from Nationaldaycalendar.com:

• 1934 – Shirley Temple sang the song “On the Good Ship Lollipop” in Bright Eyes.

• 1939 – The Lollipop Guild inThe Wizard of Oz .

• 1969 – TV commercial - “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? “

• 1973-1978 – Telli Savalis played Detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the TV series Kojak and made the lollipop his signature trademark.

Don’t forget the 1954 song Lollipop by the Chordettes. It’s the song that had the nation sticking their fingers into their mouths, rubbing against the inside of the cheek and in one fast motion pulling it out to create the sound of POP! The sound is timed so perfectly and everyone has fun interacting and joining in on the song.

Nationaldaycalendar.com also shares that it was George Smith who officially invented the modern style lollipop in 1908 but didn’t trademark the name until 1931. George claims the name came from his favorite racing horse, Lolly Pops.

Another play on the word lollipop is a name of an event that one of my besties, Frankie, knows a lot about. “Pops and Lollies” is the name of the biggest annual school fundraiser event for her kids’ school. It’s an event that celebrates fathers with their daughters while simultaneously raising funds for the school. Isn’t that the coolest name for dads and daughters hanging out? Frankie shares photos of some fun invitations for the Pops and Lollies events below.

As a kid, the latest fad in lollipops when I was growing up were Charms Blow Pops. At the center of the lollipop was a wad of the sweetest bubble gum ever. It was sugar rewarded with sugar. Not that a Tootsie Pop was any healthier but at least the Tootsie Pop treat ended after the center piece of chocolate was consumed. I would chew that Charms Blow Pop gum for hours!

In the past, the Dum Dum lollipop served as a clutch for me for two purposes: 1. When I was on Weight Watchers, the time in between meals seemed impossible to endure. I would suck on a Dum Dum lollipop (only 25 calories and I think worth zero Points) because it always bridged the gap between eating everything not nailed down and a proper meal. 2. I kept some Dum Dum lollipops in my purse when the kids were little. They served as pacifiers in moments when I needed to get my errands done. Both purposes of these lollipops seem very utilitarian instead of whimsy and fun, but it’s time to shout from the mountain tops! Lollipops are so under-rated. If anything, we must thank the lollipop for all these amazing reasons why they exist!

For National Lollipop Day on July 20th, it may seem obvious but a thoughtful way to celebrate is to give someone a lollipop as thoughtful pinch. However, the part that can be spontaneous, original and/or personal could be in what we write to go along with the sentiment, “Happy National Lollipop Day!” Here are just a few examples:

• You’re so sweet you make my heart POP.

• However many licks it takes to get to the center - is how many times I’ll be thinking of you today.

• Detective Kojak was cool in the 70’s but you will rock this lolly like a Pop star!

• Sees the day and eat nothing but lollipops!

• I’m no Dum Dum; I did remember to give you these lollipops on National Lollipop Day.

I know that these suggested examples are super corny but aren’t they also thoughtful?

Pinches,

Barb