Those hot days of August are upon us! Summer is drawing to a close, and the new school year is underway. But the fun doesn't have to end. Here are 10 holidays and events you and your family can mark this August.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
Aug. 4 - Today we raise a glass of milk to Ruth Graves Wakefield, the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie. She made the first batch in 1938 by chopping up pieces of a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar and mixing them into her dough. These are a first day of school tradition in my house.
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National Root Beer Float Day
Aug. 6 - Unintentionally invented in 1874, the root beer float has become a classic treat. Robert McCray Green ran out of ice and needed something to cool his flavored soda. He put a scoop of vanilla in his drink and the rest is history. Have you introduced the root beer float to your kids? Grab your favorite vanilla ice cream, a bottle of root beer, and a straw and enjoy the cool treat together.
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National Book Lovers Day
Aug. 9 - Celebrate the books you love. This is a day for the old and young. Re-read your favorite book, share about your favorite book at the dinner table, visit a local book store or your library for some new books to read, go through your bookshelves and pick some books to donate, or start a neighborhood Little Free Library in your yard.
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National S'mores Day
Aug. 10 - That's right. Give me s’more. We’ve got more than a dozen takes on this ooey, gooey, delicious summertime treat. Check out this idea for a S'mores buffet to help you find your favorite combination!
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National Aviation Day
Aug. 19 - National Aviation Day celebrates the development of aviation in the U.S. According to Awarenessdays.com, the holiday was proclaimed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. in 1938. The date of August 19 was chosen to honor Orville Wright’s birthday - the younger of the Wright brothers. For a thrill, take a ride on a vintage army aircraft at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation in Hampton, Ga.
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International Youth Day
Aug. 12 - International Youth Day, a day designated by the United Nations, is an opportunity to celebrate the involvement of young people in issues worldwide, ranging from the political to the environmental. Take the opportunity to ask your kids what they think the most pressing issues of today are. You might be surprised by their insights.
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International Elephant Day
Aug 12 - Elephants are a threatened species and International Elephant Day is a great chance to talk to your kids not only about this amazing creature, but also other endangered animals and the importance of caring for them and our world. Learn about these amazing creatures in this National Geographic video.
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Bad Poetry Day
Aug. 18 - Get the whole family involved by writing bad poetry together — who can come up with the worst verse? Read them out loud and whoever gets the most groans wins.
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World Honey Bee Day
Aug. 21 - The UN established World Honey Bee day to raise awareness for these important pollinators. Learn more about why honey bees are important watch this PBS video. When you go to the next McDonough Crafter's market, or local festival, pick up some local honey. Local honey helps us with allergies and tastes great on bread, apples or with cheese.
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Anniversary of 'I Have a Dream' Speech
Aug. 28 - Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I Have a Dream” speech on this day in 1963. Today, read the speech in its entirety with your kids and talk about King's message. How far have we come? How far do we have to go?
Don't forget to check our calendar when you are looking to find your family fun!