The Weirdest Traditions From Every State In The US

The US is filled with over 334 million people, so it might be little surprise that there are a few strange things that slip their way through the cracks. What about the weirdest traditions from every state in the US?

They might all be a part of one big nation, but when it comes to the states, there’s something oh-so-charming and odd that happens uniquely in each and every one. The question is: which is the strangest of them all?

Alabama: Forget watching the ball drop; it’s all about the MoonPie Over Mobile here

MoonPies might be a marshmallow cookie treat covered in chocolate to everyone else, but in Alabama, they are a part of their culture. That’s why MoonPies play a big part in seeing the new year in the city of Mobile. Just like you can watch the ball drop in Times Square, here, you can see the MoonPie Over Mobile.

In fact, it’s hard to miss the 600-pound, 12-foot MoonPie as it descends from above just in time for the countdown to midnight. While it might be fake, those in the crowd get to enjoy real MoonPies as they sing, dance, and celebrate New Year’s Eve with everyone else around them. Sounds pretty delicious to us!

Alaska: The blanket toss goes back to the days of the Iñupiaq people

While some of the weirdest traditions are newer things to add to the calendar, others have decades of history behind them. The blanket toss in Alaska is one of the latter. The age-old practice comes from the Iñupiaq people of Alaska and involves someone standing in the middle of a huge blanket - traditionally made from walrus hides.

From there, a dozen other people grab the edges of the blanket and start, you guessed it, throwing the person into the air. Sometimes, the person being tossed even has gifts to throw to those in the crowd. While it used to be used to get a better view of the hunting terrain, it’s now a fun Alaskan pastime.

Arizona: Ostriches have their own festival, complete with ostrich racing

For over 30 years, the city of Chandler, Arizona, has transformed into something you won’t find across most of the rest of the US: the Ostrich Festival. While it’s a newer addition to the state’s calendar, the festival is held because of the history of ostrich ranching that’s taken place across Arizona, with plenty of history found across the celebration.

From cooking to woodwork to music to food, there is no shortage of things to see and do at the Ostrich Festival. However, perhaps the most bizarre part of it all is the live ostrich race that takes place. They’re not the only animals to go zooming, as the festival also offers pig and duck racing throughout the event.

Arkansas: Pigs seem to be a common theme across much of the state

It seems there’s something about Arkansas and pigs, as they appear to be a running theme across the state. After all, one of the weirdest traditions involves the mascot for the University of Arkansas. He’s a razorback hog, but it seems that yelling “Woo pig!” almost anywhere in the state will get you the reply “Sooie! Razorbacks!”

As if that wasn’t enough, Fayetteville once held the biggest New Year’s celebration across Arkansas. Here, you could party the night away before watching the famous Hog Drop at midnight. This time, an eight-and-a-half-foot hog sculpture was lowered as the fireworks were released, but sadly, the tradition has been on hiatus since 2018 due to a lack of funding.

California: The Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade is all about creating utter nonsense

Let’s face it; plenty of us need a chance to let loose and let go every now and then. That’s where the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade comes in. As the name suggests, the parade is held in the city of Pasadena and started in 1978 as the twisted sister of the much more conventional Rose Parade.

At the Doo Dah Parade, it’s all about being as outrageous and eccentric as possible, as floats, costumes, and events of all kinds take to the streets and bring out the silly in even the most serious of residents. It might sound like utter nonsense, but that’s the point - and thousands of people can’t get enough!

Colorado: Festivals here bring headless chickens and frozen people back to life

Why have one strange state tradition when you could have two? That’s the case for Colorado, where one of the weirdest celebrations dates back to 1945. It’s said this is when a chicken called Mike got his head chopped off but refused to give up, with his owner continuing to feed and care for Mike until he finally passed away.

Fruita is where you’ll find this festival celebrating the story all these decades later, but that’s not all. If you head to Nederland, you’ll find one of the strangest races that involves carrying a living person in a coffin through a snowy obstacle course. Teams all compete against one another in honor of Bredo Morstoel, aka The Frozen Passed Guy.

Connecticut: Singing sea shanties and enjoying neon turkeys is nothing new in the state

Bringing the weird and wonderful to life is all a part of living in Connecticut, especially if you live near the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic. Here, you can join in with the 40-year-old festival that comes around every June and brings a particular genre to life: seafaring music. Ever wanted a day of seaside songs and sea shanties?

Connecticut’s Sea Music Festival is the place to be, but that’s not the only way to take in the bizarre sights of the state. A farm in Guilford has enjoyed its own tradition every Thanksgiving since the ‘70s, where instead of seeing fields full of regular turkeys, the farmer paints their turkeys bright neon colors to celebrate the holiday.

Delaware: Poking fun at politics and taking part in dung beetle dares are just your usual says out

The Mummers Parade is one of the most famous things to come from Philadelphia, and it turns out that was the inspiration for Delaware’s own Hummers Parade. The difference? This Middletown New Year’s Day parade started in 1971 and is entirely dedicated to poking fun at prominent politicians and the political headlines from the year before.

Want something even more unusual? You need to take a trip to the Museum of Natural History in Wilmington. Once here, you can enjoy one of the stranger exhibitions: a dung beetle rolling a giant-sized - fake - ball of dung. Of course, this isn’t complete without the hand-sized holes and people daring each other to poke their hands inside.

Florida: The state knows how to make friends with its neighbors and celebrate one of the best fruits

The Beatles really gave strawberries a leg up when they released ‘Strawberry Fields Forever.’ While Florida might have a little way to go, the Florida Strawberry Festival certainly gives the fruit even more praise, with the annual celebration bringing in around half a million visitors every year. From strawberry spaghetti to eating contests, nothing’s out of the question here.

Want something a little more physical? You need to head to Perdido Key every year. Have no fear; people with mullets are safe in the Mullet Toss. Instead, it’s all about throwing a mullet fish from Florida all the way into the neighboring state of Alabama. The best bit? It all started as an excuse to party.

Georgia: Ever wondered what peanuts and soda taste like or what a New Year’s Eve possum looks like?

Let’s face it; there are several strange food combinations that would be enough to start a riot, but what about peanuts and Coca-Cola? On the surface, that might not sound too bad, but what about when we tell you that you have to put the nuts in the soda? When it comes to Georgian baseball fans, nothing’s too much.

According to the National Peanut Board, this is almost as Southern as biscuits and gravy, but it’s not all Georgia has to offer. New Year’s Eve in Tallapoosa is unlike anything else you will experience across the US. As things get going, a taxidermied possum named Spencer is lowered down in an illuminated cage for the crowd. Yes, really.

Hawaii: There are plenty of rules to wearing leis, even at a celebration of all things Spam

You might think that Spam is something that’s reserved for the Midwest, but if you want to celebrate your love for the food with like-minded people, you’ll actually have to head to Hawaii. That’s right; the state loves the food so much that it now hosts the Waikiki Spam Jam Festival every year, bringing Spam lovers together at long last.

Here, you can enjoy Spam recipes from restaurants across Hawaii alongside a host of Spam-related entertainment. That’s not all. When you think of Hawaii, perhaps people wearing leis come to mind? There’s a good reason, but never place a closed lei on a pregnant woman as this is deemed bad luck - instead, it has to be open!

Idaho: Watching the Potato Drop sure is one way to see in a new year

There is only one way to enjoy the Idaho Potato Drop: to be there in person. When it comes to the weirdest state traditions, it seems there’s something about New Year’s Eve that really pushes the boat out. After all, New York became famous for its Ball Drop. Why can’t other states have their own traditions?

Instead of watching a giant ball lower down, you get to see a VIP in Idaho - a Very Important Potato. After all, the state and potatoes go hand in hand at this point, and it started as a way to celebrate their history across Idaho. Now, it’s one of the more fun ways to see in the new year.

Illinois: Turtle racing is definitely worlds away from the No Pants Subway Ride

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Chicago, but what about the No Pants Subway Ride? Although it was started in NYC by Improv Everywhere, it’s since spread to the Windy City and sees a group of people simply remove their pants and ride the subway as though nothing’s wrong - much to the amusement of others.

Want something a little more family-friendly? We might actually have mobster Al Capone to thank. It’s said he loved turtle racing and once released 5,000 turtles across Chicago when he didn’t get his way. While he might be gone, turtle racing has stuck around ever since, and many residents can’t get enough of the unusual sport.

Indiana: There’s something oh-so-special about covered bridges across the state

Have you ever thought much about covered bridges? It turns out the people in Parke County, Indiana, have, so much so that the largest festival is none other than the Covered Bridge Festival. It’s essentially one giant street fair as the county pretty much shuts down every October, as the streets are filled with shoppers and stalls.

Here, you can enjoy one of several bus trails that take visitors from town to town - through covered bridges - and stops along the way for snacks and food stalls. Does it get better? It might when it gets to St. Patrick’s Day in Indianapolis. That’s because the state lottery annually funds the city’s canal being dyed bright green.

Iowa: Hobo Days aren’t what you think, but butter sculptures most certainly are

Although many picture homeless people when they hear the word “hobo,” it once referred to men who would ride the rails looking for work and still inspires the Hobo Days in Iowa every August. Here, people compete in competitions, parades, and crafts before two lucky people are crowned the Hobo King and Queen at the end of it all.

Celebrations and Iowa are two things that go hand in hand, with one aspect of the Iowa State Fair now bigger than the celebration itself. That’s right; we’re talking about the butter sculptures. Master artists create all kinds of creations, from Harry Potter to cows, out of the stuff before they’re put on display for the annual event.

Kansas: The St. Lucia Festivals brings all things Sweden to life across the pond

Being called the Swedish capital of Kansas might make it little surprise that the St. Lucia Festival brings the country to the US every holiday season. The idea is to celebrate Saint Lucia, seeing the eldest daughter of each family dressed in white and a crown of candles and icy before serving food to the rest of her family.

The idea is to represent a beacon of hope and light during the Winter Solstice, but that’s not all. The festival also sees events like a procession and Swedish folk dancers as people enjoy things like baked goods and drinks, and happens every year, usually in the first few days of December in the build-up to the holidays.

Kentucky: So many of the state’s traditions and superstitions revolve around a certain drink

When it comes to Kentucky, there is one drink that comes to mind, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. That’s particularly the case when you realize just how many festivals, events, and traditions are linked to the drink and are still observed today. Music festivals are one thing, but what about using the drink for teething and snakebites?

That used to be the case in Kentucky. While some of the former traditions are gone, there’s one many in the state still enjoy. The idea is to bury a bottle of the drink where you’re going to get married and ahead of the big day. Apparently, if you bury it during the weather you want, you can prevent rain.

Louisiana: Unusual food seems to be a common theme at various times throughout the year

There’s something about food in Louisiana that’s unlike anything else across the US - and it all starts with king cake. The tradition begins on Three Kings’ Day at the start of January and runs through the Mardi Gras celebrations, with bakeries selling hundreds of king cakes. These are none other than cakes topped with purple, green, and yellow sugar.

The twist? Inside, a tiny plastic baby is hidden, and the person who finds it is automatically chosen to host the following year’s party. That’s not the only unusual meal, as jumping all the way to Christmas introduces the turducken. Supposedly made by chef Paul Prudhomme, this festive dish is a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey.

Maine: Seasonal activities all begin with skiing into spring and end by racing in pumpkins

Spring is the season that sees so many changes, but what about skiing straight into the season? That's the case if you head to Maine, where the Spring Festival combines two things that usually don't go together: skiing and spring. After all, how often can you go from a beach party to skiing down a mountain?

Seasonal activities don't end there, as Damariscotta also hosts the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest every Columbus Weekend. Here, you will see all kinds of pumpkin sculptures and parades, but the strangest tradition takes place on the water. Here, competitors get the chance to race across the water in hollowed-out pumpkins to see who is crowned the winner.

Maryland: Seeing crabs race and enjoying lemon sticks is all just a part of life in the state

Maryland and crabs have long gone together, but did you know that Crisfield holds the National Hard Crab Derby every Labor Day Weekend? That’s right; you can enjoy everything from delicious food to pageants to parades here. However, there’s one thing that stands out above the rest: the crab derby. Ever wanted to see a crab race?

Thankfully, you can, as a specially-built track sees people race their crabs to victory every year. It’s not the only celebration, with Baltimore’s Spring Festival bringing a 100-year tradition to life. Here, you can find a sweet and sour treat in the form of lemon sticks, aka lemon halves, with peppermint sticks through the middle to create edible straws.

Massachusetts: Boston is home to some of the weirdest traditions across the state

Boston is seemingly the place to be in Massachusetts. After all, it’s here you’ll find the Allston Christmas and Fluff Festival. The first takes place in the largest college suburb in the city, Allston, and takes place on September 1. The idea is to help college kids who need furniture and are moving from dorms to their first apartment.

People merely leave out anything they don’t want on the street free for the taking, hence the name Allston Christmas. Then there’s the Fluff Festival. You know the jarred marshmallow spread? That was actually invented in Somerville and now has its very own fall festival every year celebrating all things Fluff - including plenty of sweet treats.

Michigan: The state is known for plenty of things, including its links to cereal

Plenty of us are used to learning about where is where during geography class, but what about Michigan? Here, things are a lot more simple, as the state is known to look like a glove. That’s why many people show you where you need to be by simply pointing to a spot on their right hand.

That’s not all Michigan is known for, as Battle Creek is also known to be the home of the cereal industry. That’s why every June, the National Cereal Festival sees the streets turn into a place to enjoy music, enjoy cereal, and dance the night away. Oh, and you can’t forget to sit at the World’s Longest Breakfast Table.

Minnesota: Meat raffles are exactly what you think, but it could win you a strange prize

Some things aren’t what you think they are. However, when it comes to the Meat Raffles held in Minnesota, it’s just what you picture. All across the state, it’s pretty usual to see communities host frequent raffles for people to win a cut of meat, especially at restaurants, bars, and various markets held around Minnesota.

What about winning a lutefisk? While it can be enjoyed at any time of the year, you’re most likely to see this dish pop up across Minnesota at Christmas - but what is it? Simply put, the Norwegian dish is cod that’s been soaked for days in lye before it’s covered in melted butter and served. Who needs Christmas turkey?

Mississippi: A legend was the thing that paved the way for a lucky cowbell

There are strange state traditions, and then there are ones with even more unusual backstories. That’s the case for the cowbells you will most likely see during any Mississippi State University football game. Apparently, it goes back to the time a Jersey cow allegedly walked onto the field in the middle of one of their home games.

According to the tale, the team went on to win the game, and cowbells have become lucky for Mississippi State ever since. Now, it’s almost impossible to find a crowd that’s not filled with ringing bells, just in case you wondered why the crowd can get so loud when you enjoy one of their football games!

Missouri: Kissing the 50 might be one of the more unusual sporting traditions in the state

A lot of places across the US live their lives around sports, and college towns are no exception. What about when your college offers plenty of excitement throughout the football season, and everyone wants to show their appreciation for the sport? If you’re anything like the University of Missouri, you have one of the strangest traditions of them all.

It turns out freshmen are the ones who have to take part in the Kiss the 50 event at the start of the school year, and it really is as it sounds. Following a fresh lick of paint and a huge party, freshmen will lie down on the field and lock lips with the 50-yard line on the football field.

Montana: Don’t do your laundry on New Year’s Day if you want to keep all of your friends

When you think of superstitious places, Montana might not be the first that comes to mind. However, would you believe the state is filled with all kinds of traditions, especially when it comes to New Year’s? For one, it’s said a windy New Year’s Eve is a sign of pestilence, while clear weather means it will be a prosperous year.

However, one of the strangest might have to do with your laundry. If you have clothes that need to be washed, you might want to wait until after January 1. That’s because superstitions in the state claim that doing your laundry on the first day of a new year means you will also wash away one of your friends.

Nebraska: Throwing Buffalo Chips is something you might not find anywhere else

When it comes to Nebraska, there’s one strange tradition that stands out above the rest, and it’s all courtesy of the Fur Trade Days event. Every year, Chadron hosts a celebration that brings all kinds of entertainment to life, including music, antique stalls, gifts, and a huge fireworks display. However, it’s not these that make the event unusual.

That comes in the form of the Buffalo Chip Throw. As well as celebrating the fur trade across Northwest Nebraska, this event also goes head to head as they try to throw Buffalo Chips as far as possible. Not strange enough? Buffalo Chips are actually bison droppings. Yup, it’s certainly a unique title to win.

Nevada: The Lucky Duck Family Festival is held annually to raise money for charity

Let’s face it; there’s something about rubber ducks that’s just too cute to ignore. What about taking part in an annual event that helps to raise money for a foundation that provides support and pediatric care to those in need while showing off your love of rubber ducks? That’s the case at the Lucky Duck Family Festival.

The event is held in Las Vegas every year and sees thousands of ducks end up in the Town Square pond, each with their own number on the bottom. From there, the ducks are plucked at random, and those with their lucky duck chosen end up with a prize. The best bit? All the money goes to Positively Kids.

New Hampshire: The Exeter UFO Festival comes from a state filled with extra-terrestrial tales

It might be hard to find a nation that’s more obsessed with the idea that we’re not alone in the universe than the US. In fact, there are hundreds of alleged sightings and abductions across the nation, which is partly how the Exeter UFO Festival came to be. After all, New Hampshire has long been linked to UFOs and aliens.

One of the most famous claims of them all came from Barney and Betty Hill, who claimed they were abducted by aliens and later returned to Earth. Now, the festival is held every year and sees UFO experts offer talks and presentations about all things out of this world, as well as plenty of other things to see and do.

New Jersey: Getting wooly is something most people don’t know about the state

When people outside of New Jersey think of the state, they might picture heading to the Jersey Shore and taking in everything the boardwalk has to offer. However, there’s a lot more to the state than just the first thing that comes to mind, such as the NJ Sheep and Fiber Festival that’s held every September.

You’ll need to head to Lambertville to find the festival, where you can enjoy all kinds of sheep and sheep-related things on offer. According to the festival, it’s the largest of its kind held on the East Coast and gives people a chance to show off their stock, as well as all the woolen things that can be made.

New Mexico: The Burning of Zozobra is one of the spookiest state traditions

For 100 years, the people of Santa Fe have enjoyed one of the most unusual things over the Labor Day Weekend. While others spend time with their families, those in New Mexico recreate the Zozobra, a statue originally made by artist Will Shuster Jr. that stood at just six feet tall and was burned in his backyard.

Now, the Zozobra stands 50 feet high, can be moved around, and is stuffed with shredded paper - usually divorce papers, paid-off mortgages, and obsolete police reports. The idea is that Zozobra is a dark and eerie monster where people can write their worries and attach them to the sculpture before it’s set on fire for the crowd to see.

New York: Santa might be a Christmas-filled nightmare if you don't enjoy the holidays

Christmas is celebrated across the US, but there's something about the holidays in New York City that really adds another layer of magic to it all. Still, that might all go to a new level if you happen to find yourself in the Big Apple around the time of Santacon. Just like other "cons" of the world, expect something big.

Here, the whole idea is to raise money for charity - all while welcoming as many Santas as you can imagine. A simple hat won't do here, with the event encouraging people to go big or go home when it comes to their costumes. Expect thousands of Santas, lots of reindeer, and perhaps even an elf or two along the way.

North Carolina: Livermush is one thing, but burning benches is another

It seems there's not one, but two strange traditions that make North Carolina stand out above the rest. Perhaps you've heard of the bitter rivalry between the University of North Carolina and Duke? The two have long gone head-to-head on the field, and the Duke bonfire just goes to show how far things can go.

Even though it's discouraged, many Duke students will start huge fires out of the school benches after any games against their rivals. Then there's the Liver Mush Festival held in Marion. What is livermush, precisely? That would be none other than pig iver, cornmeal, and other animal parts all mixed into one. It might not be for everyone.

North Dakota: Getting crowned as King of the Rednecks is something to be celebrated here

State fairs can be the place to see all kinds of weird and wonderful traditions come to life. That’s precisely the case when it comes to the North Dakota State Fair. However, what some people might find a questionable nickname, many of the locals have turned into their one. That’s how the Redneck Relays were born.

Getting crowned King of the Rednecks is no easy task either, as competitors have to take part in a host of team events before they get to the final. Think of things like whipped-cream pie eating contests, a corn toss, greased watermelons, and everything in between, and you’re about halfway there. It really is a sight to behold.

Ohio: Celebrating the weird and wonderful - and pumpkins - is all a part of the state

Just when you think you might have seen everything, have you ever been to a festival entirely dedicated to pumpkins? Now you can if you head to Circleville, Ohio, where you will find the Pumpkin Show every fall. The largest pumpkin contest is one of the biggest events, but there's also parades and the Miss Pumpkin Show to enjoy, too.

If you want something with even more freedom, you need to head to Columbus on the Fourth of July. Once here, it shouldn't take long to find the annual Doo Dah Parade. The idea here is all about celebrating your freedom and dressing however you like, as well as getting the chance to entertainingly express anything bothering your mind.

Oklahoma: The annual Sucker Day Festival does arrive, unlike the circus that inspired it

It seems grabbing dried animal droppings and throwing them as far as you can might be more common than we ever realized. After all, competitive cow chip throwing in Oklahoma can really draw in a crowd. Just in case you didn’t guess, cow chips is just a nice way of saying dried cow droppings, but that’s not all.

It turns out the city of Wetumka was once scammed by a man in the 1950s who promised a circus if they handed over their money. Of course, no circus ever arrived, but that hasn’t stopped the city from celebrating the Sucker Day Festival ever since. Thankfully, this one very much does arrive and features all kinds of family-fun activities.

Oregon: Stripping down to ride your bike in Portland has more meaning than it seems

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a bike in your birthday suit? Perhaps not, but that doesn’t stop thousands of people from doing just that in Portland every year. In fact, it’s believed that even though it’s an international event, hosting 10,000 people in 2015 might make Portland’s contributions the largest of them all.

While it might look like nothing more than a bizarre thing to do, this is actually an annual protest against the world’s dependence on oil. The idea is to raise awareness about using green methods of transport - which is why the likes of skateboarders and rollerbladers are also invited - and to promote body positivity across the state.

Pennsylvania: The state knows how to go big or go home with their events

There’s something about heading to a yard sale that’s more than satisfying. Getting your hands on those bargains and enjoying the fun with everyone else is one thing, but what about a yard sale that seemingly never ends? That’s the case with the 100 Mile Yard Sale, an event that’s run for over 20 years.

It turns out bringing the community is nothing new in Pennsylvania, especially when it comes to Beavertown. Running for over 30 years is none other than the Hillbilly Fever Days. For several days each August, people can enjoy all kinds of entertainment, including hillbilly mini-golf, bands, and a cake wheel, all to raise money for various causes.

Rhode Island: As well as being the only place to observe a certain day, the state’s also the only one with a famous bug mascot

World War II is a huge part of so many nations’ history. The US is no exception, but there’s only one state left that observes a certain moment in history: Rhode Island. That’s right; it still closes down public buildings every August for a day as they observe Victory Over Japan Day, aka the date Japan surrendered in the war.

However, it’s not the only unique thing about Rhode Island. The other is the Big Blue Bug. Yes, the massive termite is a mascot for a bug extermination company and can be seen in plain view from the I-95 interchange. Every year, locals get to enjoy Big Blue dressed up in various outfits for the holidays or new seasons.

South Carolina: More than one of the state’s traditions have a lot of history

Even though weddings are about the couple, it can sometimes feel like the bride gets more of a centerstage than the groom. However, that’s not necessarily the case in South Carolina, where it’s traditional for the bride to offer her groom his own cake just before or on the wedding day. Traditionally, it’s chocolate cake shaped into something he likes.

It turns out South Carolina is home to all kinds of historic traditions, including God’s Acre Healing Springs. You’ll have to head far into the woods near Blackville to find the place. However, legend claims that Native Americans took wounded British soldiers here to drink from the well, and they were miraculously cured. In 1944, it was “deeded to God.”

South Dakota: It’s all about celebrating mashed potato when you’re in the state

Let’s face it; plenty of us love potatoes more than most other foods. After all, they can be turned into all kinds of dishes, but what about getting closer to potatoes than you ever thought before? If you’re in Clark, South Dakota, you might just bump into more than a few people who share the same thoughts.

As well as hosting Clark’s Potato Days - offering all things potato-related - you can take part in the famous Mashed Potato Wrestling that comes to life throughout the event. Away from getting messy, there are also events like the best-decorated potato, the mashed potato launch, and even a mashed potato eating contest. Who knew there was so much to mashed potato?

Tennessee: Mule celebrations and 100-year-old burger grease are all part of the package here

There is so much to love about Tennessee, and apparently, the people of the state want to show their appreciation for some of their most famous things, too. One of them is mules, which have been celebrated since 1840. After naming itself the Mule Capital of the World, Tennessee now has an annual festival in honor of the creatures.

As well as crowning someone Mule Day Queen each year, it turns out there’s another love across Tennessee. That comes in the form of Dyer’s Burgers in Memphis. The secret to their hamburgers? Allegedly using the same grease to cook their burgers since opening in 1912, merely straining it each day before another day’s cooking.

Texas: Mums have become a big part of Homecoming, while Eeyore is the character to love in Austin

We know that everything is bigger in Texas, and that doesn't stop at Homecoming. While other places have the corsage, Texas offers something called a mum. It started as girls getting a chrysanthemum, but has since turned into huge pendants that are made from flowers and ribbons, sometimes reaching several feet long, and given as gifts on the day.

It turns out Texas is also the place to be to celebrate all kinds of things, including Eeyore. The Winnie the Pooh character has long been known for his gloomy outlook, but he gets his very own birthday party in Austin, Texas, each year. Expect to enjoy drum circles, maypoles, live music, and plenty of costumes throughout the celebrations.

Utah: Pioneer Day brings to life the history of the first Mormon settlers in the state

Each state comes with its own traditions, and it appears that Utah is the place to be to celebrate the history of the state. That’s because each year the state hosts Pioneer Day, a holiday that celebrates the first Mormon pioneers who settled in the land, specifically Brigham Young and the pioneers he brought to Salt Lake City in 1847.

It’s an important day for the Latter-day Saints, who will often reenact entering the city by handcart or walk parts of the Mormon Trail. However, the holiday is celebrated by everyone in the state, regardless of their background. From music to rodeos to parades to picnics, there’s never a shortage of things to do here every July 24.

Vermont: Green Up Day isn’t the thing some might think it is

When you hear Green Up Day, you might think of something else, but have no fear; the Vermont day is all about looking after the environment. In fact, the first Saturday in May sees over 20,000 volunteers come together to clean up trash across the state, bringing Mother Nature back to life and restoring the natural order.

It turns out Vermont is another place that also likes to strip down before getting on their bikes once a year. However, this event is a little different. Here, it’s all to do with the University of Vermont, where students take to their bikes at midnight on the last day of classes each semester as a way to celebrate.

Virginia: The Chincoteague Pony Swim is a sight unlike anything else in the world

Virginia is one of the few states where you can spot a host of wild horses and ponies, but how do they keep the population under control? That’s all a part of the Chincoteague Pony Swim. For a week, thousands of people head to the state to celebrate with rides, raffles, and games as the horses are rounded up.

The week concludes with the annual Pony Swim that sees the Saltwater Cowboys swim the horses from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The first foal to make it to the shore is then crowned the King or Queen Neptune and is given away in a raffle draw. Other horses are also auctioned off to help control the numbers.

Washington: Seattle is seemingly home to the strangest traditions in the state

Want to enjoy the thrill of the theater without the worry of getting bored with a play? You might want to head to Washington’s World’s Quickest Theater Festival. The event takes place in Seattle every January and sees 14 plays come to life over two days. The twist? Each show only lasts for ten minutes at a time.

The plays usually have one overall theme, and each troupe interprets that in any way they like. That’s not all to do in Seattle. While in the city, why not head over to one of the strangest experimental art exhibitions of all time? The Gum Wall is just that - a wall covered with gum from visitors and residents alike.

West Virginia: Feel like scaring away winter and enjoying food you find on the road?

The US has a long world history, and in West Virginia, there are plenty who still celebrate their Swiss heritage. However, it might be a little unusual for people who have never seen it before. That’s because the idea of Fasnacht is all about acting away winter, which involves wearing creepy masks and burning an effigy of Old Man Winter.

If you want something perhaps even stranger, you might want to head to Marlinton. Of course, plenty of us feel terrible when we accidentally hit something with our cars. Here, nothing has to go to waste, as the town hosts an annual cookout that sees people compete to make the tastiest dish from anything they found on the road.

Wisconsin: Snowshoe baseball in the summer and cheese falling from the sky are all normal here

There are wild sports, and then there's snowshoe baseball. This might just be one of the most unusual state traditions of all time - and for more than one reason. After all, it's not every day that you see someone running between the cases with snowshoes strapped to their feet. What about learning it's held in the summer?

Yup, Lake Tomahawk has to use saw chips instead of snow, but it sure is a sight to see. If you hang around until the end of the year, you can see another of Wisconsin's unusual traditions. This time, there's no ball, but there is the Dropping of the Cheese that sees a giant wedge of cheese fall on NYE.

Wyoming: ElkFest is all about giving back to the incredible animals every year

Elk are a huge part of life in Wyoming, with thousands spending the winter months on the National Elk Refuge. What better way to give back to the animals than by helping them out and celebrating the start of a new season? After all, thousands shed their antlers when the spring comes around, but they don’t go to waste.

Instead, the local Boy Scouts collect the antlers, which are then auctioned off by Antler Arch. The idea is to help raise money for the Boy Scouts and the National Elk Refuge to ensure these great beasts have all they need to continue to thrive in the winter. The best bit? No elk are harmed in the process.