August 1 of this year for many in Canada is a time of coming to the realization that the end of summer is approaching. It is also a time when a large part of Canada has a legislative holiday which falls on the first Monday of August of every year. But wait – this day has another special meaning for many provinces with a coat of many names such as August Holiday, Civic Holiday, Provincial Day or other local names. Just take a look at the image below to see some of the common names:
So just what is this Civic or Provincial Day. It’s a time where Canadians can celebrate sometimes throughout the first week of August and become entrenched in the local culture, history and achievement of their area. Like many other holidays in Canada, this is marked by having fun activities along with family and friends and celebrating — making and distributing birthday cakes for the province; sports events; and shared meals, such as breakfasts, barbecues, lunches and suppers. (Hmmm, did I hear the mention of food?). In some of the larger events, it is not uncommon to have public displays of fireworks, road races and cultural festivals.
So as long as you’re not in Quebec or Yukon where they don’t recognize this day as a public holiday (you have your own very special days to celebrate local history and culture), you’ll get to take the day off work or school, let your hair hang down and put your feet up so to speak and relax and enjoy. No matter what name is recognized in your area, put your stresses of work aside and have fun!
Learn more about what is going on around Toronto this long weekend, visit http://toronto.about.com/od/eventsattractions/a/simcoedayevents.htm.






