There are some wacky holidays out there, and every month is dedicated to one thing or another. February is national return-shopping-carts-to-the-supermarket month — I couldn’t have made that up if I tried. May is national salad, hamburger, barbecue, asparagus, egg and chocolate custard month. Mmm, delicious.

So what are we to cheer for this month? Here are a few of September’s lesser known monikers and how you can celebrate them locally.

National Potato Month: (Not to be confused with National Potato-Lover’s Month, which is February.) Go Bubba-Gump style and make them as many ways as you can imagine. Baked, mashed, scalloped and french fried. Maybe limit it to one a meal so you don’t hit starch overload. Go the extra mile and have potatoes for dessert, thanks to The Candy Factory on Cherry Street and its chocolate covered potato chips.

National Courtesy Month: Don’t forget you manners. Say please, thank you and excuse me. Hold open a door. Pick up after litterbugs. You get the idea.

Photograph by Rachel Coward

National Yoga Awareness Month: Mix it up and opt for the Sun Salutation instead of your regular workout routine or just to unwind after a stressful day. Check out Vox’s guide to yoga studios for tips on when and where to go.

National Piano Month: Take a class and stroke the pearly keys yourself. For those who, like me, lack rhythm, visit The Penguin Dueling Piano Bar to see two musicians in a jukebox battle royale.

Self-Improvement Month: I’m not one for keeping resolutions, so I say think small. You can focus on the physical and take the stairs or go the more self-actualization route and be open to trying something new.

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