National Bubba Day | How To Celebrate This June 2nd Holiday

Now, you'd think that a holiday such as National Bubba Day would have a huge history. But it doesn't. It's not recognized by any city, state or government. No one knows for certain who came up with the idea, although there are a couple of rumors.

1) A couple of Bubbas from Missouri came up with the idea back in the 1860s.

2) Another says that comedian/recording artist T. Bubba Bechtol started it.

There have been a number of Bubbas on television and in politics. One you may recognize is Plumber Bubba, from Larry the Cable Guy. Other famous Bubbas include Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue (Forrest Gump); Bubba Bexley (Sanford & Son); Bubba Skinner (In the Heat of the Night); and Bubba Bo Bob Brain (Pinky & The Brain).

But for all you Bubba-loving folks, it doesn't really matter who coined the idea. It's just another holiday to add to the calendar, giving you an excuse to party.

Bubba is one of those nicknames we use here in the country to describe our buddies or siblings. Since most people here have two names - Robert Lynn, Glen Dale, James Robert, Roy Bob or John Carl - it's much easier to say "Bubba". After all, we don't want to waste words when there's more important things going on!

If you happen to look up "Bubba" in the dictionary, you'll find a number of definitions for the word. It is defined as:

• A relationship nickname for brother, especially the eldest male child in the family
• A term of endearment for those outside the family
• A person of low income and limited status
• A good ol' boy
• The big guy you'll meet if you happen to spend time in prison

I happen to have a good friend who goes by "Bubba". His real name is Lloyd Eugene, which is quite a mouthful! As long as I've known him, which is almost 30 years, he's gone by the name of Bubba. He's a good ol' boy, so he definitely fits the ticket!

When June 2nd rolls around, be sure to have all the proper ingredients to show your love for Bubba! Keep in mind that he's just a good ol' boy, so he'll be pleased with just about everything you do.

Here are the things you'll need:

• Location - It's best to celebrate National Bubba Day out in the yard, as it will be more comfortable for your guests. Plus, you won't have to worry about beer spills on your carpet.
• Parking - Be certain to have plenty of parking spaces. Bubba drives both a big pickup truck and a tractor, and he needs a lot of space to maneuver. It's best to rope off a parking area to keep party guests off of your lawn.
• Decorations - There are a number of ways you can decorate. I happen to like the strings of shotgun shell lights to add to the party mood. You might prefer the chili pepper ones. It's also great to have some bar signs or mirrors hanging up around the place, so Bubba will feel right at home.
• Party Clothes- Make certain you wear your party best. Dress better than what you'd wear to Wal-mart, but not as good as you wear to the Dollar store. Something that you feel comfortable in, and doesn't have too many holes, works the best. Overalls are a good choice for men, while women might wish to wear spandex or halter tops.

  Tip: the less you wear, the more your tattoos will show!

Tip: Save the beer cans for target practice. Fill them with water, as they will blow up when struck.

• What is a party without food? For National Bubba Day, treat him with the most tender calf fries you can find. If they aren't available at your local store, I imagine one of the neighbors can cut 'em for you fresh! Throw in some fried potatoes, and some okra off the vine, and you're all set! It also doesn't hurt to have some lemons and limes. Bubba may want to spice up his beer for the occasion.

  If you need recipes for other items to cook on the grill, try corn on the cob or grilled onions. They are a sure-fire way to spice things up at your barbecue!

• Have a really great selection of music playing on your stereo. The best music is by artists such as Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, or Hank Williams. Put away your hard rock and rap music, as Bubba isn't too fond of the noise.

• Bubba will need to be entertained at the celebration, so make certain you have games on hand. Horseshoes is a favorite game to played on National Bubba Day. Other favorites include dominoes, spitting contests, cow chip throws, and target shooting.

If Bubba or his buddies have too much to drink, just load him in the tractor bucket, and give him a ride home. He'll thank you later!

Image Credit: Bubba floating in the pool.  By JDQ_121 | Wikimedia Commons

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Copyright L.C. Clifton / Country Sunshine.  All Rights Reserved
Originally published June 22, 2012 on Squidoo

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