It’s National Waffle Day! So What Does that Have to Do with Moon Shoes and Nike???

That’s right! Today is National Waffle Day – not to be confused with International Waffle Day, which is celebrated during March.

The person who usually gets credit for inventing the waffle iron, according to www.mrbreakfast.com, is Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York. At least he got the first patent for his machine or appliance to “bake waffles.” Today is the 140th anniversary of that patent.

Actually there were waffle irons of a sort back in the 1300s in portions of Europe. The Dutch brought a type of waffle iron to America in the 1620’s. (Wikipedia.)

So, really, what does the waffle iron have to do with Nike. Here’s the scoop, straight from Wikipedia: “In 1971, Oregon track coach and Nike Co-founder Bill Bowerman used his wife's waffle iron to experiment with the idea of using waffle-ironed rubber to create a new sole for footwear that would grip but be lightweight. Bowerman's design inspiration led to the introduction of the so-called ‘Moon Shoe’ in 1972, so named because the waffle tread was said to resemble the footprints left by astronauts on the moon. Further refinement resulted in the ‘Waffle Trainer’ in 1974, which helped fuel the explosive growth of Blue Ribbon Sports/Nike.”

Forgetting sports, what’s your favorite waffle? Topped with fruit? Just with syrup? With pecans?

And, once again forgetting sports AND food, when I first read that August 24th is National Waffle Day, I thought it just might have to do with waffling politicians!!!! What better time to celebrate it than during August’s congressional recess when members of Congress are in their districts, answering – or dodging – constituents’ questions?!?

Happy Waffle Day, y'all!