National Cotton Candy Day is celebrated on December 7 each year. Cotton candy, the fluffy cloud of spun sugar sold at fairs, circuses and ballparks, is one of the most nostalgic treats around. The day celebrates its surprising history, including the fact that one of its inventors was a dentist, and invites everyone to enjoy a sweet bite of carnival fun even in winter.
History of National Cotton Candy Day
Spun sugar was made by hand in Europe as early as the 1700s, when pastry chefs drizzled melted sugar over forks to create delicate decorations. It was time-consuming and expensive.
In 1897, dentist William Morrison and candymaker John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee, invented an electric machine that melted sugar and spun it through tiny holes, where it cooled into fine threads. They introduced their 'Fairy Floss' at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, where they reportedly sold more than 68,000 boxes at 25 cents each.
In the early 1920s, another dentist, Josef Lascaux of New Orleans, created a similar machine and is often credited with popularizing the name 'cotton candy'. In 1949, a company introduced a spring-based machine that made production more reliable. Today, the treat is called 'fairy floss' in Australia and 'candyfloss' in the United Kingdom. Who created National Cotton Candy Day is not documented.
Why National Cotton Candy Day Matters
Cotton candy is a symbol of fun and childhood memories, from county fairs to circuses.
Its invention is also a great science lesson: it's mostly air, and a single serving contains about as much sugar as a can of soda or less, depending on the size.
The story of dentists helping to invent a sugary treat is a fun reminder that history is full of surprises, and a good prompt to talk about brushing teeth after sweets.
How to Celebrate National Cotton Candy Day
- Enjoy cotton candy: buy some from a candy shop or event.
- Make it at home: use a home cotton candy machine.
- Try flavors: taste blue raspberry, grape or pink vanilla.
- Learn the science: research how sugar is spun into threads.
- Brush afterward: honor the dentists who invented it.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a cotton candy machine at a team party adds nostalgic fun. In classrooms, students can learn how heat and spinning turn sugar crystals into threads, compare how fast cotton candy dissolves in water, or research famous food inventions. At home, families can make cotton candy with a small machine, decorate cupcakes with it, or talk about favorite fair memories. Enjoy in moderation and brush teeth afterward.
Fun Facts About National Cotton Candy Day
- Dentist William Morrison co-invented the cotton candy machine in 1897.
- It was sold as 'Fairy Floss' at the 1904 World's Fair.
- Cotton candy is called 'candyfloss' in the U.K.
National Cotton Candy Day FAQs
When is National Cotton Candy Day?
National Cotton Candy Day is celebrated on December 7 each year.
Who invented cotton candy?
Dentist William Morrison and candymaker John C. Wharton invented the cotton candy machine in 1897.
Why is it called cotton candy?
Its fluffy threads look like cotton; dentist Josef Lascaux helped popularize the name in the 1920s.
What is cotton candy made of?
Cotton candy is made from sugar, often with flavoring and coloring, spun into thin threads.
What is cotton candy called in other countries?
It's called 'fairy floss' in Australia and 'candyfloss' in the U.K.
When did cotton candy become popular?
It became popular after the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.