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Paul Bunyan Day
What does Paul Bunyan Day celebrate?
Paul Bunyan Day celebrates American folklore and stories about the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan.
When is Paul Bunyan Day celebrated?
June 28th
Who celebrates this day?
The day is celebrated by people in the United States who enjoy a good story, like red flannel shirts, and wish they had a giant pet ox.
What do people do to celebrate?
Probably the best way to celebrate the day is to read some American folklore stories. Popular characters include Blackbeard's Ghost, Bigfoot, Brer Rabbit, Davy Crockett, and Paul Bunyan. Your local librarian will be able to help you pick out some stories you would like.
Another way to celebrate is to visit some of the many Paul Bunyan statues around the nation. You can find huge statues of this hero throughout the country in states like California, Oregon, Michigan, Minnesota, and more. There is also a Paul Bunyan Land amusement park in Brainerd, Minnesota that features a 26 foot tall animated Paul Bunyan.
If your class is looking for something fun to do, you could dress up and act out a few of the Paul Bunyan or other American folklore tales. You could also make posters of your favorite story or write a poem about your favorite character.
History of Paul Bunyan Day
The story of Paul Bunyan has its roots in an early 1900 story by James MacGillivray. The tale was then retold by author William Laughead in 1924. It was part of an advertising campaign for a logging company.
The talks of Paul Bunyan grew over the years. He grew taller and stronger. He gained a giant pet blue ox. The legends of his exploits continue to grow until he became one of Americas most popular folk heroes.
Fun Facts About Paul Bunyan
- When Paul was a baby he was so big that it took 5 storks to carry him to his home. The first time he clapped as a baby he broke every window in the house.
- The Grand Canyon was formed when Paul drug his axe behind him while walking. He also formed Mt. Hood when piling rocks on top of his campfire.
- Legend has it that the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota were formed from the footprints of Babe and Paul when they got lost in a snow storm.
- Babe the Blue Ox was a gift from fellow woodsmen Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.
- At the Trees of Mystery attraction in Klamath, California there is a 49-foot tall statue of Paul and a 35-foot statue of Babe the Blue Ox.
June Holidays
Flag Day
Fathers Day
Juneteenth
Paul Bunyan Day
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