Sweetest Day, the holiday observed the 3rd Saturday of October, originated in Cleveland in 1922 when Herbert Birch Kingston – a philanthropist and candy company employee – wanted to bring happiness to orphans, shut-ins and others who needed a little cheer. Along with friends, Birch gave out candy and small gifts to the underprivileged. Sweetest Day is still celebrated today, giving people a chance to let loved ones know that they are appreciated.

April Deters, owner of April’s Florist, 502 E. John, Champaign, said she has seen her share of Sweetest Days since she opened her shop in 1981.

Deters said that when she first opened her shop, she had never heard of Sweetest Day.

“I remember thinking, ‘What a funny holiday,'” she said.

“Sweetest Day is very popular on campus,” she said. “We have a lot of customers that come in the days before, and then of course the few that come the day of.”

Deters said roses, usually bought in bouquets of a dozen or half a dozen, are the most popular flower sold for the holiday.

Abraham Wilson, senior in LAS, said he had never heard of Sweetest Day until he came to the University. Wilson said he does not have any plans for Sweetest Day yet.

“Being the ladies man that I am, I don’t think I need designated days to be romantic, it should automatic,” Wilson said.

Mary Colleen Murphy, junior in LAS, said she plans to spend some time with her mom on Sweetest Day.

“I don’t have a boyfriend so I’m going to go home for the night and chill with my mom because my dad is out of town,” she said. “We’ll probably just do the norm – dinner, shopping and watch movies.”

Beth Rodriguez, senior in LAS, said she will be unable to spend Sweetest Day with her “sweetie” because he goes to John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.

“Since my boyfriend and I go to separate schools, we can’t celebrate together so we send each other stuff,” she said. “He’s sending me a package: CDs, a card, sweatpants, stuff like that. I only sent him a card, but candy too.”

When asked what he is going to do with his girlfriend for Sweetest Day this year, Bob Rank, senior in LAS, said he plans on celebrating like he does every day of the year.

“Everyday is sweetest day for her,” he said.