Welcome to December 9, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the success of the underdog. 

Traditional clowns wore white makeup, with red noses and cheeks, and pointy hats. During the Great Depression, a clown named Emmett Kelly changed that image. People were down on their luck and while they wanted to be entertained, the usual clown shtick didn’t seem relatable. That’s when Kelly’s clown character, Weary Willie became a reflection of the times. Instead of the typical costume, Weary Willie looked more like a hobo. He wore a frown, had whiskers, and his clothes were torn and dirty. This underdog became iconic because people could see something of themselves in him. On Weary Willie Day, celebrate a clown who was a man of the people. Unless you’re afraid of clowns, in which case, forget we said anything.

 Pastry dough dates back to the ancient Mediterranean when it was rolled paper thin and baked into baklava. The Crusaders brought it to Europe where it became a versatile base for pies and pasties. But the variety of pastries we enjoy today is thanks to a French chef who mastered the technique of crafting dough into the sublime. Chef Careme grew up poor, but his career took off at age 15 when his larger than life creations reached the table of Napoleon Bonaparte. From there he served the royalty of Europe with his cream puffs, danish, quiches and tarts, and became one of the very first celebrity chefs. On National Pastry Day we celebrate this rich dessert and the kid who shaped his future with it. 

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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