Getting Buggy
On summer nights, what flying beetle do you often see that intermittently flashes light in a unique pattern?
What is Firefly (or lightning bug)? A firefly’s flashing pattern helps it find potential mates.
What doughnut store franchise was started by Bill Rosenberg when he opened his shop in Quincy, Massachusetts?
What is Dunkin’ Donuts? That first shop is still in operation today and has been restored to the original retro design it sported in 1948.
What famous brand of ketchup was created over 120 years ago in Pittsburgh? Hint: The owner’s lucky number was added to the bottle.
What is Heinz? At the time Heinz Ketchup was created, Heinz offered 60 products. However, H. J. Heinz preferred his lucky number 57 to be added to each bottle. Although Heinz sells more than 100 products today, the number 57 can still be found on every bottle.
What expression means to take time to relax and appreciate the beauty of life?
What is “Stop and smell the roses.”? The expression is said to be rephrased from the Walter Hagen quote, “Don’t hurry; Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
Often played on the beach, what Olympic sport involves two teams batting a ball back and forth with their hands over a high net to score points?
What is Volleyball? Volleyball was invented in 1895 as an indoor game for businessmen who found basketball too vigorous. Fun fact: Before it was called volleyball, the original name was mintonette.
What insect’s itchy bite is hard to avoid when spending a summer evening outdoors?
What is Mosquito? Only female mosquitoes bite, as they need blood to reproduce.
What small, delicious treats made their introduction at Dunkin’ Donuts in the early 1970s using excess dough?
What are Munchkins (or doughnut holes)? However, if you live in Canada, they are referred to as Timbits and are sold at Tim Horton’s locations. Fun fact: Eating approximately five Munchkins equates to eating one doughnut.
What state in the U.S. has the largest barbecue pit in the world?
Where is Texas? The pit is 76 feet long and can cook anywhere from four to six tons of food at once. It has 24 smoking compartments, a walk-in cooler, and four beer taps.
What flower is native to North America and known for its strikingly large yellow bloom, valuable oil, and long stem?
What is the Sunflower? The tallest sunflower on record was found in Germany in 2016 and measured 30 feet, one inch tall
In the game of horseshoes, what is it called when the horseshoe encircles the stake?
What is Ringer? A ringer earns the player three points. The game of horseshoes grew in popularity during the American Civil War, and in 1910, the first world horseshoe tournament was held in Bronson, Kansas.
What tiny arachnids should you check your body for after time spent outdoors in the woods or high grass areas?
What are Ticks? They are most active in warmer weather and can be infected with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
In the U.S., what has been celebrated on the first Friday in June since 1938?
What is National Doughnut Day? This date honors the women of the Salvation Army who served doughnuts to the soldiers during WWI. The doughnuts were cooked in metal helmets using oil.
What food is listed as the most popular food for grilling?
What are Burgers? Hamburgers were not a popular food in the United States until around 1904, when they were sold at the St. Louis World Fair. Steak comes in second place, hot dogs in third, and chicken in fourth.
What flower is a cultural symbol of Nepal and is also an important symbol during Day of the Dead festivities?
What is the Marigold? They are often used for floral arches, garlands, wreaths, gravesites, and home altars. The bright colors and fragrances are said to attract the souls of the dead.
What is the national summer sport of Canada?
What is Lacrosse? Lacrosse was declared the national game of Canada in 1859. However, the 1994 Canada’s National Sports Act kept lacrosse the national summer game but made hockey its national winter game.
What insect, sometimes feared by humans for its stinger, flies around collecting nectar and pollen?
What is Bee? There are about 20,000 bee species with many differences between them. Some don’t even sting or produce honey.
In what movie did Clark Gable teach Claudette Colbert how to properly dunk a doughnut? Hint: The movie came out in 1934.
It Happened One Night He noted, “Don’t let it soak so long. A dip and—plop, into your mouth. If you let it soak so long, it’ll get soft and fall off.”
In 1952, while working at Weber Brothers Metal Works, George Stephen cut a marine buoy in half, creating a dome-shape with a lid better known today as what?
What is a barbecue? Prior to Stephen’s invention, the most well-known method of barbecuing was using an open charcoal brazier, which left the meat exposed to nature’s elements, such as rain and gusts of wind, and often resulted in an uneven cook
What flower’s botanical name is Bellis perennis and has been used in the homeopathic system of medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties? Hint: It is April’s birth flower.
What is the daisy? A daisy is two flowers in one. The outer white petals are one, and the yellow cluster, called the eye, are another.
What is the name of the game in which players throw weighted balls aimed at a smaller white target ball, hoping to get closer than their opponent?
What is Bocce? Bocce can be traced to Greece and Italy as far back as 600 BC. The first Bocce Olympiad was held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Fun fact: The term for the white target ball is pallino.
What spotted insect is believed to bring you good luck and is a symbol of good fortune?
What is the Ladybug? Some think the number of spots on the ladybug indicates how many years of good luck you’ll have. A persistent myth is that the spots show how many years old they are, but in reality they don’t live more than a year or two.
What is the name of the first national doughnut chain in the U.S.? (Hint: The box is green and white)
What is Krispy Kreme? It first opened its doors in 1937 and was the first company to mass-produce doughnuts.
In Canada, in what month is National Barbecuing Day? Hint: It’s not a summer month.
What is May? It is celebrated on May 16.
What carnivorous plant produces white flowers and is known for its innovative trapping mechanism for catching insects?
What is the Venus flytrap The Venus flytrap’s lifespan is roughly 20 years, sometimes longer.
What summer competition involves running, biking, and swimming?
What is a Triathlon In 1970, the first triathlon world championships were held in France, with only 700 athletes competing.