Almost every child grows up coloring with crayons, and there is no name more synonymous with crayons than Crayola.. The waxy, colorful tool has been a beloved inspiration for artists both young and old. That is why every year March 31 is Crayola Crayon Day, a celebration of the iconic crayon and the colorful world that the company inspires.
Crayola crayons were first introduced in 1903 by the Binney & Smith Company of Easton, PA. By using paraffin wax and non-toxic pigments, the company created a crayon that was safe, sturdy and affordable for many people. The name Crayola comes from combining the words "craie," French for "chalk," and "oleaginous," or "oily."
Crayola’s colorful rainbow of more than 120 colors has captured the hearts and minds of children for generations. Crayola produces more than 3 billion crayons each year, enough to circle the globe six times.
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate, the official Crayola website offers some great craft ideas for creators of all ages.
Alison Robles is a part-time page at the Crestwood Library. She is an avid reader with a passion for YA lit, history and science fiction. A Yonkers native, she graduated from Iona University in 2020 with a dual-degree in Marketing and Public Relations.