by Ruby Elbogen

When I was the editor of a major travel magazine, I used to receive PR releases from many, many sources, heralding every manner of travel related places, products, notices, and facts—according to the senders, I could not possibly get through the day without.

Now that I am editor of The C Magazine, I get PR releases from a variety of businesses heralding everything our readers absolutely must hear about. While most of them contain ad copy that companies should place in publications, and not “story ideas,” I must admit this one really did catch my eye.

Everyone who reads this should stand up and cheer, because National Root Beer Float Day (yes, Virginia, apparently there really is one) is on Aug. 6^th. Now that you’ve been properly noticed, get out and celebrate on that day.

Being a “California Girl”, my all time fave is still the Foster’s Freeze version, in a tall paper cup, however, there is a sophisticated version within our midst at BJ’s. They brew their own Root Beer, and serve it up in a proper mug with delicious ice cream.

What I failed to mention at the top, is that if you add vodka, the old fashioned All American version can also have a booze-kick. I’m sure B.J.’s would be happy to accommodate this added caveat, but am just as sure that Foster’s Freeze will not. Our feeling is that if you need a brain freeze, do it the old fashioned way by drinking your first long swing, sans vodka—very quickly. Same immediate result, no “morning after” head banger blues. Whichever way you embellish yours, don’t forget to pay homage to this wonderful treat.