Fruitcake Toss Day is celebrated on January 3. On this day, you can throw that old fruitcake you never ate as far as you can, whether by hand, cannon, or slingshot. In Manitou Springs, Colorado, people gather to toss hundreds of fruitcakes into the air. Since fruitcakes last a long time, don’t just throw them away—throw them up into the sky instead!
History of Fruitcake Toss Day
A fruitcake is a tasty cake made with candied or dried fruits and nuts, often soaked in rum. In the United States, fruitcakes have become the punchline of jokes, with people making fun of how long they last.
From 20th-century cartoons to TV shows like “Father Knows Best,” “The Donna Reed Show,” and “The Tonight Show,” there’s an American tradition of playful teasing about fruitcakes, which inspired the first Great Fruitcake Toss in 1996.
Fruitcake Toss Day began when a group of locals in Manitou Springs, Colorado, decided to have some fun by throwing their old fruitcakes in a public park, turning it into a playful competition. The event was so enjoyable that it became an annual tradition, drawing hundreds of participants and spectators each year, except for a few canceled times.
Moreover, the quirky event includes various contests focusing on strength, accuracy, and balance, all centered around launching fruitcakes into the air. Any leftover fruitcakes are fed to a local pig named Jezebel.
Over the years, the event has evolved with innovations like robotic and mechanical launchers, including a pneumatic weapon. In January 2007, 8 Boeing engineers set a record by launching a fruitcake 1,430 feet into the air with their device, the “Omega 8.”
Did you know that the fruitcake from U.S. President Grover Cleveland’s 1886 wedding is still preserved in his hometown of Caldwell, New Jersey?
Whether you love them or hate them, fruitcakes are likely one of the most frequently regifted items in the U.S. Instead of letting them gather dust, why not have some fun and toss them sky-high in a joyful celebration?
Timeline of Fruitcake Toss Day
| 1913 (Mail-Order Fruitcakes Hit the Market) | The Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas, popularizes fruitcakes by offering the mail-order option. |
| 1960s (Johnny Carson and the Fruitcake Jabs) | Host of late-night talk show, “The Tonight Show,” Johnny Carson, makes regular jabs at fruitcakes and their longevity. |
| 1969 (A Fruitcake on the Moon) | A pineapple fruitcake, still on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, is taken on the Apollo 12 space mission. |
| 1996 (Fruitcake Toss Day) | The first Great Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs, Colorado, leads to the annual celebration of Fruitcake Toss Day. |
| 2007 (The Highest Fruitcake Toss) | On Fruitcake Toss Day, a group of Boeing engineers uses a machine called the ‘Omega 8’ to make the record of the highest Great Fruitcake Toss, at 1,430 feet. |
5 Fun Fruitcake Toss Activities
Join the Fruitcake Costume Competition: Dress up in a creative costume and take part in the annual fruitcake-themed costume contest at The Great Fruitcake Toss.
Participate in the Fruitcake Bake-Off: Challenge the negative stereotype of fruitcakes by baking your best creation for the “Too Good To Toss” annual bake-off.
Hit a Target with a Fruitcake: Put your aim to the test by trying to hit a bullseye target with a fruitcake at The Great Fruitcake Toss.
Launch a Fruitcake with a Cannon: Why use your hands when you can have a blast launching fruitcakes from a cannon?
Build a Mini-Catapult: Visit the Cool Science Exhibition, learn how to build a mini-catapult, and try making one yourself to toss fruitcakes in style.
Conclusion
Fruitcake Toss Day is a lighthearted and fun-filled celebration that turns the once-maligned holiday dessert into a source of amusement. What started as a humorous response to fruitcakes’ notorious durability has grown into a beloved tradition, complete with competitions, creative costumes, and innovative launching methods. Whether you’re aiming for a record-breaking toss, enjoying the bake-off, or just watching from the sidelines, Fruitcake Toss Day is a quirky way to kick off the new year with laughter and community spirit. So, instead of letting that old fruitcake sit on the shelf, join the festivities and send it soaring!
Frequently Ask Question
How did Fruitcake Toss Day start?
Fruitcake Toss Day began in 1996 in Manitou Springs, Colorado, when a group of locals decided to have fun by throwing their old fruitcakes in a park. The event turned into a lighthearted competition and has since become an annual tradition.
Why do people throw fruitcakes on Fruitcake Toss Day?
Fruitcakes have long been mocked for their durability and longevity, making them a target for jokes in pop culture. Fruitcake Toss Day embraces this humor by turning unwanted fruitcakes into objects of fun and competition.
What are some activities held during Fruitcake Toss Day?
Activities include fruitcake tossing competitions, costume contests, fruitcake bake-offs, and challenges like hitting targets with fruitcakes. Participants can also launch fruitcakes using cannons, catapults, and other creative devices.
What is the record for the longest fruitcake toss?
In January 2007, a team of Boeing engineers set a record by launching a fruitcake 1,430 feet into the air using a machine called the “Omega 8.”
What happens to leftover fruitcakes at the event?
Any leftover fruitcakes are fed to a local pig named Jezebel, adding a sustainable and humorous twist to the event.
Are there any unique fruitcake-related trivia or fun facts?
Yes! For example, a fruitcake from U.S. President Grover Cleveland’s 1886 wedding is still preserved in his hometown of Caldwell, New Jersey. Additionally, a pineapple fruitcake was taken on the Apollo 12 space mission and is still on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Can you participate in Fruitcake Toss Day if you don’t have a fruitcake?
Absolutely! Many events provide fruitcakes for participants, and there are plenty of ways to join the fun, from competing in costume contests to watching the launches.
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