The Strange Side of August
August often gets overshadowed. It’s not as carefree as June or July, and it doesn’t have the crisp charm of September. But don’t be fooled—this in-between month is packed with quirky holidays, surprising history, and offbeat traditions worth celebrating (or at least laughing about).
National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day (August 8)
Yes, this is real. Founded by gardener Tom Roy of Pennsylvania, this unofficial holiday encourages folks to share the bounty of their over-productive gardens by—well—dropping squash on unsuspecting neighbors’ doorsteps. Lake County gardeners can relate. If your zucchini is growing faster than your kids’ shoe sizes, now you know what to do with it. Just maybe include a recipe card.
The Great Moon Hoax of August 1835
Back in the pre-social media days, people still fell for wild stories—just in print. In August 1835, The New York Sun published a series of articles claiming that astronomers had discovered bat-like humanoids, unicorns, and crystal palaces on the moon. The public was enthralled. Telescopes sold out. Eventually, the truth (and the laughter) came out, but it remains one of the most infamous media hoaxes in history—and it happened in August.
National Relaxation Day (August 15)
Coming just before the back-to-school chaos reaches full boil, this holiday is a gentle reminder to take a breath. Whether it’s lounging in a hammock, reading a book at Mentor Headlands, or hiding from your kids in the laundry room with a cookie, it’s a great excuse to do less—and feel okay about it.
The Ice Cream Truck Turf Wars (1980s Glasgow, Scotland)
While not exactly an American tradition, this August oddity deserves a spot. In the 1980s, rival ice cream vendors in Glasgow began fighting over territory in what became known as the “Ice Cream Wars.” These weren’t just price wars—they involved sabotage, stolen trucks, and even arrests. So next time you hear the jingle of the local ice cream truck, be thankful it’s all sweetness and sprinkles here.
Weather Lore and the “Dog Days” of Summer
Historically, the first part of August was associated with the “dog days” of summer—so named because of the rising of the star Sirius (the Dog Star). Ancient Romans believed this period brought extreme heat, lethargy, and… rabid dogs. Today, we just call it “air conditioning season,” but it’s a fun piece of sky-based folklore to share with curious kids.
So, August may not come with fireworks or sleigh bells, but it has its own oddball charm. Whether you're sneak-zucchini-ing your neighbors, dodging school supply sales, or simply surviving the humidity, this month has more going on than meets the eye.
And if anyone questions your decision to celebrate Sneak Some Zucchini Day? Just tell them you’re honoring history.
Photo: Illustration from the 1835 ‘Great Moon Hoax,’ published by The New York Sun.
National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day (August 8)
Yes, this is real. Founded by gardener Tom Roy of Pennsylvania, this unofficial holiday encourages folks to share the bounty of their over-productive gardens by—well—dropping squash on unsuspecting neighbors’ doorsteps. Lake County gardeners can relate. If your zucchini is growing faster than your kids’ shoe sizes, now you know what to do with it. Just maybe include a recipe card.
The Great Moon Hoax of August 1835
Back in the pre-social media days, people still fell for wild stories—just in print. In August 1835, The New York Sun published a series of articles claiming that astronomers had discovered bat-like humanoids, unicorns, and crystal palaces on the moon. The public was enthralled. Telescopes sold out. Eventually, the truth (and the laughter) came out, but it remains one of the most infamous media hoaxes in history—and it happened in August.
National Relaxation Day (August 15)
Coming just before the back-to-school chaos reaches full boil, this holiday is a gentle reminder to take a breath. Whether it’s lounging in a hammock, reading a book at Mentor Headlands, or hiding from your kids in the laundry room with a cookie, it’s a great excuse to do less—and feel okay about it.
The Ice Cream Truck Turf Wars (1980s Glasgow, Scotland)
While not exactly an American tradition, this August oddity deserves a spot. In the 1980s, rival ice cream vendors in Glasgow began fighting over territory in what became known as the “Ice Cream Wars.” These weren’t just price wars—they involved sabotage, stolen trucks, and even arrests. So next time you hear the jingle of the local ice cream truck, be thankful it’s all sweetness and sprinkles here.
Weather Lore and the “Dog Days” of Summer
Historically, the first part of August was associated with the “dog days” of summer—so named because of the rising of the star Sirius (the Dog Star). Ancient Romans believed this period brought extreme heat, lethargy, and… rabid dogs. Today, we just call it “air conditioning season,” but it’s a fun piece of sky-based folklore to share with curious kids.
So, August may not come with fireworks or sleigh bells, but it has its own oddball charm. Whether you're sneak-zucchini-ing your neighbors, dodging school supply sales, or simply surviving the humidity, this month has more going on than meets the eye.
And if anyone questions your decision to celebrate Sneak Some Zucchini Day? Just tell them you’re honoring history.
Photo: Illustration from the 1835 ‘Great Moon Hoax,’ published by The New York Sun.