Editor’s Note: This article updated a Center for Disease Control and Prevention link.
The second month of 2020 is finally here after a seemingly never-ending January. February is known around the United States as Black History Month, a time for Americans to recognize and reflect on black history in this country. February is also the shortest month of the year, but this time around we get an extra day — Leap Day — added to the calendar. To get in the mood for the upcoming 29 days, here’s a calendar of different events going on around Bowling Green and holidays you can celebrate yourself.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Groundhog Day
Every year, Punxsutawney Phil, who is arguably the most famous groundhog, serves as a meteorologist for the day and predicts if spring will come early or if we still get six weeks of winter. In what originated as a German settler superstition in 1700s Pennsylvania, according to National Today, Groundhog Day acts as a benchmark for the progress of the winter to come, a tradition Americans still embrace to this day. Do yourself a favor and google images of Punxsutawney Phil and scroll through them, you won’t regret it.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
World Cancer Day
We all know or know of someone who has been affected by cancer. Because of its wide impact, World Cancer Day serves as an important day to raise awareness for a worldwide disease that affects people and their families all over the world. If you want to observe try donating to any cancer research facility or get in contact with organizations such as the American Cancer Society to see what you can do to help.
Friday, Feb. 7
National Wear Red Day
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States, taking one person every 37 seconds. Because of this, the American Heart Association started National Wear Red Day in 2003 to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease. So why not throw on a red Hilltopper sweatshirt and take part in the cause.
Saturday, Feb. 8
2020 marks the centennial anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote. To celebrate the occasion, female empowerment will be recognized and celebrated with this event at the Kentucky Museum. Girls from grades 1-8 are invited to partake in the celebration of the women of the past, present and future.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Lady Toppers Basketball vs. UTEP
Since all athletic events are free admission with a WKU ID, why not show your support for the women’s basketball team as they take on an in-conference matchup.
Friday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day
This holiday started as a feast day for the patron saint of love and affection, St. Valentine. Nowadays, we recognize Valentine’s Day as a day full of love and romance with whomever you’re dating. It can also be a lonely time for those who are still single, but don’t let that get you down. If you don’t have anyone to celebrate the holiday with, go out and buy yourself some chocolates and watch a romantic comedy on Netflix to get yourself in the mood. You can make it through.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Thirty third Annual Chocolate Festival
Hospice of Southern Kentucky hosts an annual chocolate festival with over 50 dessert and specialty vendors to raise money for the organization to keep the non-profit operation running. Indulge yourself while supporting a good cause. The chocolate festival will be from 2-5 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 17
President’s Day
On the third Monday of every year, we Americans celebrate the birth of George Washington (despite it not actually being Washington’s birthday) with this federal holiday. We celebrate all presidents on this day with the closing of banks and federal agencies and big sales. So if you need a more comfortable place to sleep, go ahead and honor the highest office of power in the country with a new mattress.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Empty Bowls of Bowling Green
The eighth annual Empty Bowls of Bowling Green event lets participants eat out of a ceramic bowl handcrafted by local potters in order to raise funds for combating hunger in Warren County. At 5 p.m., for a minimum of a $15 donation, each participant will receive a bowl and they will be served soup, dessert and a beverage for the night. All profits go toward area charities working to fill the empty bowls that scatter across the community every day.
Thursday, Feb. 20
National Love Your Pet Day
If you are a pet owner, odds are you love your animal and hold them near and dear to you. On this national holiday, you can give them even more love than you already do, no matter what species your animal friend is.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Plays in a Day 2020
The WKU Theatre Department is putting on a series of short 10-minute plays that have been written, directed and performed by students at 8 p.m. in Gordon Wilson Hall. Each play will have been developed in a 24-hour time period (hence the name Plays in a Day), making the performances all worthwhile. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
Sunday, Feb. 23
WKU Baseball vs. Wright State
The second home series of the season for the baseball team closes on a Sunday, making it a prime time to go watch a ball game. Spend a day at Nick Denes Field and take a break from studying to enjoy a baseball game.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, translated from French meaning “Fat Tuesday,” is a celebration before the official start of the Lenten season. The holiday is celebrated in many parts of the world, famously with Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in France, which migrated to North America with the French, according to History. Mardi Gras serves an excuse to eat fatty foods like king cake and not to have a single care in the world as everyone dresses in masks and beads, partying like you’re in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Friday, Feb. 28 – March 1
2020 SOKY Book Fest Used Book Sale
This used book sale is an annual fundraising event put on by the Warren County Public Library. Each book, CD, vinyl and DVD will be available for a dollar or less raising money for the public library. Each donation was gifted by members of the community. Donations are accepted at WKU Libraries, the Warren County Public Library and the Bowling Green location of Barnes & Noble.
Saturday, Feb. 29
Leap Day Birthdays
Congratulations all Feb. 29 babies! This year you can finally celebrate your birthday on the day you were actually born, which only comes once every four years. Celebrate, it’s officially your time to shine.