Boron, CA — International Boron Appreciation Day passed without notice on Wednesday. Officials of the relatively unknown holiday date said there were no parades, no fireworks, and certainly no Boron giveaways at participating fast food restaurants largely because none participated.
Nearly all boron ore extracted from the Earth is destined for refinement into boric acid and sodium tetraborate pentahydrate. In the United States, 70% of the Boron is used to produce glass, ceramics, and fiberglass. However, Boron is not generally celebrated worldwide, nor is it mainly held in high esteem.
“We’re on our 13th year of International Boron Appreciation Day,” said International Boron Association President Jason Redwick. “Participation is low but growing slowly. Slow and steady wins the race, as they say.”
The International Boron Association holds a festival outside the Boron, CA, city limits every February. Although popularity has been growing in recent years, attendance is still tiny. Nevertheless, participants are encouraged to camp, play, and talk about what Boron means to them.
“Well, boron is taken for granted,” said festival participant and local chemistry teacher Jed Jones. “Both Borax and Boron are key to how we live our lives these days. And no one seems to notice how important it is, so I’ve brought my whole family here to learn about this important element.”
When asked if International Boron Appreciation Day will continue next year, Mr. Redwick said, “You betcha. We’re here to stay. Next year we’ll be more kid-friendly with a bounce house and something I came up with, the ‘Borax Power Pit Challenge.’ It should be great fun.”
