Rain Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
Rain Day is an annual quirky tradition celebrated on July 29th in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1878. The local community eagerly anticipates whether it will rain on this specific day, as the tradition centers around a long-standing "rain or shine" prediction and a celebratory bet with a national celebrity. If it rains, the celebrity owes the town a custom hat; if not, the town sends the celebrity a local product, often a jar of pickles. This unique observance has grown into a significant local festival.
Observed each year on July 29, Rain Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The tradition began in 1878 with Waynesburg resident William "Uncle Wash" Hopkins, who observed the frequent occurrence of rain on July 29th.
Since its inception, it has reportedly rained on July 29th in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, well over 100 times.
Quick facts
- DateJuly 29
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
- Share one fast fact about Rain Day: The tradition began in 1878 with Waynesburg resident William "Uncle Wash" Hopkins, who observed the frequent occurrence of rain on July 29th.
- Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
- Bring Rain Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
- Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Rain, or play music that matches the mood.
- Share the story of Rain Day on social and tag it with #rainday so others can join in.
Fun facts
- The tradition began in 1878 with Waynesburg resident William "Uncle Wash" Hopkins, who observed the frequent occurrence of rain on July 29th.
- Since its inception, it has reportedly rained on July 29th in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, well over 100 times.
- Past celebrity bettors have included Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Fred Rogers, with the wager typically being a custom hat or a jar of local pickles.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
Continue to
FAQ
- When is Rain Day?
- It is observed on July 29 each year.
- What is Rain Day?
- Rain Day is an annual quirky tradition celebrated on July 29th in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1878. The local community eagerly anticipates whether it will rain on this specific day, as the tradition centers around a long-standing "rain or shine" prediction and a celebratory bet with a national celebrity. If it rains, the celebrity owes the town a custom hat; if not, the town sends the celebrity a local product, often a jar of pickles. This unique observance has grown into a significant local festival.
- How do people celebrate Rain Day?
- Share one fast fact about Rain Day: The tradition began in 1878 with Waynesburg resident William "Uncle Wash" Hopkins, who observed the frequent occurrence of rain on July 29th.
Get the app
Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.