December 17, 2022 - National Maple Syrup Day | Wright Brothers Day

Welcome to December 17, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate being sappy and fueling our dreams. If you’ve ever wondered how maple syrup got its grades, here’s a tip, it’s all a matter of taste. In the past, Grade A syrup indicated an earlier harvest, hence a lighter color and milder taste. Grade C was harvested later and was best used as a substitute for molasses. Grade B was often overlooked, because folks thought it was somehow inferior. That’s why the International Maple Syrup Institute dropped the grading system in 2015 and correctly labeled syrup by its color from golden to amber to dark and very dark. If you want to get fancy, check out the single forest Escuminac, Extra Rare syrup from Canada. That one will make you feel at the head of your class. On National Maple Syrup Day celebrate your sappy smarts with an extra pile of pancakes. From a young age Orville and Wilbur Wright were fascinated by flight. It all started in 1878 when their father brought home a rubber band helicopter. When the toy sailed across the room the boys were hooked. On December 17, 1903, their famous attempt to keep a mechanically propelled airplane aloft lasted only 12 seconds, but it carved a path that others would follow. While their dad was proud he was also nervous, and never allowed his sons to fly together. Seven years later, at the age of 82, he took a turn himself, and apparently enjoyed it. He reportedly yelled, “Higher, Orville, higher!" On Wright Brothers Day, we celebrate those who never lose sight of their dreams. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices