Fun & Traditions
True or False:
In Toronto, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) traditionally opens in August and ends on Labour Day.
Answer: True
Fun Fact: The CNE has been running since 1879 and is famous for introducing wild new foods every year — from deep-fried butter to pickle lemonade!
August is the birth month of which traditional birthstone, known for its vibrant green color?
a) Emerald
b) Peridot
c) Jade
d) Tourmaline
Answer: b) Peridot
Additional Information: Peridot has been treasured since ancient times and is often called the “gem of the sun,” believed to bring protection and good fortune.
Which weather phenomenon is particularly common in August across the Canadian Prairies?
a) Tornadoes
b) Blizzards
c) Hurricanes
d) Ice storms
Answer: a) Tornadoes
Additional Information: August is part of the peak tornado season in the Prairies, especially in southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Which fruit, known for its juicy sweetness, is at peak harvest in August in Canada?
a) Apples
b) Peaches
c) Strawberries
d) Cranberries
Answer: b) Peaches
Additional Information: Ontario and British Columbia produce some of Canada’s best peaches, often harvested in August.
True or False: Eating peaches in August was once believed to cure all illnesses in medieval Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: While peaches were valued, there was no widespread belief they cured all illnesses.
True or False:
August is peak sunflower season in many parts of Canada, making sunflower mazes a popular photo spot.
Answer: True
Fun Fact: Sunflower farms often open their fields to the public for photo tours, but some charge admission because the flowers can get trampled!
Which zodiac element does Leo belong to?
a) Earth
b) Fire
c) Water
d) Air
Answer: b) Fire
Fun Fact: Fire signs like Leo are often seen as passionate, energetic, and charismatic.
True or False: August is typically the month when many migratory birds begin their journey southward in Canada.
Answer: True
Additional Information: Many bird species start their migration in late August, preparing for the coming fall and winter months.
True or False: Fresh herbs like basil and thyme reach their peak flavor in August.
Answer: True
Additional Information: Warm summer weather encourages herbs to flourish, making August ideal for fresh herb harvesting.
True or False: It is a widely accepted fact that planting zucchini seeds precisely at midnight on August 13th causes them to grow twice as fast.
Answer: False
Explanation: This is a superstition with no scientific backing.
Which fruit festival is held annually in Niagara-on-the-Lake during August?
a) Peach Festival
b) Cherry Festival
c) Apple Festival
d) Grape Festival
Answer: a) Peach Festival
Fun Fact: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Peach Festival features tastings, contests, and recipes celebrating the juicy Ontario peaches harvested in August.
August has two zodiac signs. The first part of the month is under Leo. What is the other zodiac sign starting August 23?
a) Cancer
b) Virgo
c) Libra
d) Scorpio
Answer: b) Virgo
Fun Fact: Leos are known for confidence and creativity; Virgos for being detail-oriented and practical.
Which insect, often considered a summer nuisance in August, is known for its painful bite and swarming behavior?
a) Mosquito
b) Blackfly
c) Horsefly
d) Firefly
Answer: c) Horsefly
Additional Information: Horseflies are particularly active in August and can deliver a painful bite, especially near bodies of water.
Which vegetable, commonly canned or pickled, is often harvested in August?
a) Carrots
b) Cucumbers
c) Beets
d) Onions
Answer: b) Cucumbers
Additional Information: August is prime time for cucumbers, often used to make pickles for winter storage.
True or False: Canadian lakes consistently turn bright pink for exactly one hour at sunset during August.
Answer: False
Explanation: Some lakes can turn pink due to algae blooms, but the timing and consistency described here are not true.
True or False:
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) parade is usually held in August.
Answer: True
Fun Fact: It’s one of North America’s largest cultural festivals, drawing over a million visitors with its vibrant costumes, steel drum music, and delicious Caribbean food.
Which month besides August is the aster also recognized as a birth flower?
a) September
b) October
c) July
d) June
Answer: a) September
Fun Fact: The aster bridges August and September as a birth flower, marking the transition from summer to fall.
What type of weather pattern is often responsible for sudden summer storms in August in Ontario and Quebec?
a) Cold fronts meeting warm air masses
b) Heat waves from the south
c) Oceanic storms
d) Polar vortex
Answer: a) Cold fronts meeting warm air masses
Additional Information: These clashes can produce thunderstorms, sometimes severe, with heavy rain and lightning.
Which seafood is often featured at August festivals in the Maritime provinces?
a) Salmon
b) Lobster
c) Cod
d) Crab
Answer: b) Lobster
Additional Information: Lobster festivals celebrate the summer catch and local culinary traditions in coastal communities.
True or False: August used to have only 29 days before the Roman Emperor Augustus decided to add days to match July.
Answer: True
Fun Fact: August originally had 29 days but was extended to 31 days to equal July, named after Julius Caesar.
True or False:
The August full moon is traditionally called the “Snow Moon” in Canadian Indigenous cultures.
Answer: False
Fun Fact: The “Snow Moon” is actually the name given to the full moon in February, named for heavy snowfall. August’s full moon is more commonly called the “Sturgeon Moon” by many Indigenous peoples, after the fish abundant in that season.
August is the month when which famous Renaissance artist was born?
a) Leonardo da Vinci
b) Michelangelo
c) Raphael
d) Titian
Answer: b) Sirius
Fun Fact: The Dog Days are named after Sirius, the “Dog Star,” which rises with the sun in late July and August, historically linked to the hottest days.
True or False: August is a common month for drought conditions in parts of Canada due to low rainfall.
Answer: True
Additional Information: Certain regions, particularly in the Prairies, can experience dry spells in August, affecting agriculture and water supplies.
Which summer vegetable is most commonly grilled or boiled and served on the cob in August recipes?
a) Zucchini
b) Corn
c) Eggplant
d) Bell pepper
Answer: b) Corn
Additional Info: Fresh sweet corn is a summer staple, often enjoyed with butter and salt at barbecues and fairs.
Which odd tradition involves people burning their socks to mark the end of the summer mosquito season in parts of Canada?
a) True
b) False
Answer: a) True
Fun Fact: In Manitoba, some communities hold “Burning of the Socks” ceremonies symbolizing farewell to pesky bugs.