The year 2024 has been marked by strange and unusual events in the United States. From the inexplicable to the surprising, these stories have captured the attention of many Americans and the world. Here is a roundup of the ten weirdest stories of this year.
1. Fish Rain in California
In March 2024, the residents of the small town of Lajolla, California, witnessed a bizarre natural phenomenon: a rain of fish. Hundreds of small, silvery fish fell from the sky after a heavy storm. Meteorologists explained this event as « animal rain, » where tornadoes or strong winds pick up aquatic creatures and deposit them on land.
2. Man Claims Land on the Moon
In April, a Florida entrepreneur with a passion for space filed an official claim for land on the Moon. John « Lunar » Smith used an old law from the space exploration era to justify his claim. Although his request was quickly dismissed by American and international authorities, he managed to attract worldwide media attention.
3. A Town Taken Over by Goats
The small town of Hayesville, Oregon, was overrun by a herd of goats in May 2024. Around 200 goats stormed the streets after escaping from a nearby farm. Residents had to improvise barriers to contain the animals, while local authorities worked all day to return them to their pen.
4. A Sleep Marathon in New York
In June, New York hosted the first-ever sleep marathon, an event aimed at promoting the importance of rest and mental health. Participants set up in Central Park with their mattresses and blankets, trying to sleep for 24 hours. The winners were those who managed to sleep the longest and most peacefully, scoring high in sleep quality.
5. A Restaurant with Robot Waiters in Arizona
In July, a new restaurant opened in Phoenix where all the waitstaff are robots. « Robo-Dine » uses autonomous robots to take orders, serve dishes, and clean tables. Customers were surprised and amused by this technological innovation, though some missed the human interaction.
6. A Treasure Found in a Cornfield
In August, a farmer in Iowa discovered a treasure while plowing his cornfield. He found an ancient jar filled with gold coins dating back to the Gold Rush era. Experts estimate the treasure’s value at several million dollars. This discovery sparked excitement and hope among amateur treasure hunters in the region.
7. Penguins Spotted in Florida
In September, penguins were spotted on the beaches of Miami. These birds, native to Antarctic regions, ended up there following a transportation mishap from a traveling zoo. Local authorities and veterinarians worked tirelessly to capture the penguins and return them to a safe environment.
8. A Smartphone Throwing Competition
In October, the city of Boulder, Colorado, hosted the first annual smartphone throwing competition. Participants had to throw their phones as far as possible, with prizes for the longest distances and the most creative throws. This event was designed to relieve stress and promote healthier technology use.
9. World Record for the Largest Vegan Pizza
In November, chefs from across the country gathered in Los Angeles to create the largest vegan pizza ever made. Measuring over 30 meters in diameter, this giant pizza was shared with thousands of people as part of a fundraiser for the homeless. This record highlighted the importance of vegan cuisine and community initiatives.
10. An Underwater Wedding in Florida
To end the year in style, in December, a couple of diving enthusiasts got married underwater in the Florida Keys. Surrounded by tropical fish and coral reefs, the couple exchanged vows in a unique and magical setting. This event caught the attention of the media and inspired other couples to consider unconventional weddings.
These ten stories show that the United States is a country where the extraordinary and the bizarre can emerge at any moment. Whether through natural phenomena, technological innovations, or unique initiatives, 2024 has been a year rich in astonishing events.