Ideas for Something On A Stick Day

Now that St. Patrick’s Day is behind us, most of us are shifting focus to preparing for Easter.  My 10-year-old son, however, is looking forward to a little known, national holiday that falls just a few days ahead of the more popular holiday.  You see, my son loves to play with sticks.  He uses them as walking sticks, pretend swords, magic wands, lances, and much more.  He was thrilled when he discovered that his favorite pastime is nationally recognized once a year on March 28, which is Something-On-A-Stick Day.  I didn’t have the heart to break it to him that the holiday is to celebrate skewered food.  So, in honor of Something-On-A-Stick Day (and my son’s interpretation), here are some recipes and some other ideas to help you celebrate this underhyped holiday.

Fun Food On A Stick You Can Buy:

• Lollipops
• Popsicles
• Fudgesicles
• Corndogs

Fun Food On A Stick You Can Make:

• Appetizers
  • Bacon wrapped smokies on toothpicks
  • Cheese cubes on toothpicks
  • Fruit skewers
• Side Dishes
  • Corn on the cob on a stick
  • Mashed potatoes on a stick (yes, you read that right!)
  • Greek salad skewers
  • Vegetable Kabobs
• Entrees
  • Chicken Skewers (dozens of recipes here)
  • Beef Kabobs
  • Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Desserts
  • Caramel Apples
  • Roasted Marshmallows for S’Mores
  • Oreo Lollipops
  • Cake Pops

Entertainment on a Stick

• Fans:  You can make your own following these instructions or purchase this variety pack and have enough to share with all your friends.
• Flags:  Make your own by following these instructions or purchase these and get double duty by using them to decorate in a few months for Independence Day.
• Masks:  Make masks like these with supplies you already have on hand or buy this set and then have a photo shoot.
• Popsicle Stick Crafts:  Stock up on craft sticks here and make puppets, bookmarks,  or photo flowers.
• Pinwheels:  Easy to make. Here are some using dowels and these use pencils as the sticks. Pinwheels are also inexpensive to buy (you can find them in most dollar stores) and definitely qualify as something on a stick.

I’m very happy with my son who can entertain himself for hours on end with a simple stick.  If your child is happier playing video games, you might be able to win him or her over to the stick phenomenon with “Not A Stick” by Antoinette Portis.  This is the follow-up book to “Not A Box,” another great book for kids.  Both books open up a world of imagination for children so that they rely on their own creativity, not prepackaged entertainment, for fun.