As the calendar flips deeper into August, there’s a growing sense that summer is slipping away. That’s when many of us start making a mental checklist of all the things we still want to squeeze in before the season ends.
We asked "What’s one thing you always want to do before the summer ends?" The answers ranged from camping trips to county fairs—and more than a few bonfires.
Camping, campfires, and Carla’s lemonade
Camping was one of the most popular answers, whether it’s a full weekend away or just one last trip to the lake. For Richard Pae, it’s about unplugging: “No technology, no problems, just nature’s therapy and a campfire.”
Mergie Fiesta had her own twist, saying she wants “bonfire, bonfire, bonfire and another bonfire… do not forget Carla’s lemonade while having a bonfire.” And for Therma Clyde, it’s not optional: “I want to go camping with my family!! It is a must!!!!”
Beaches, boating, and water fun
Plenty of listeners are determined to get more time near the water. Regan Malik plans on “more swimming at the beaches” with her boys, while Katina Gagne says she’ll “spend as much time by the water as possible.”
Others are hoping to go boating, tubing in St. Malo, or simply soaking up the last few warm beach days before fall.
Fairs, festivals, and parades
Summer events are high on many people’s lists. Amanda Low wants to make it to at least one Folklorama show. Marie Gosselin enjoys taking her two boys to the many parades in the southeast.
Several mentioned local fairs, whether it’s riding the Ferris wheel, racing quads at the Grunthal Fair, or enjoying fair food. Purity Zacharias kept it simple: “Go to the fair!”
Local adventures and road trips
From golfing a quick nine holes to driving through Whiteshell Provincial Park, there’s no shortage of local adventures still on the list. Lisa Dubeck likes to stop at as many seasonal diners as possible to support local businesses.
Some are planning day trips, others overnight getaways, and a few—like Vicki Lafrance—are hoping to travel to see family and friends before the weather turns.
Making memories while we can
For some, the goal isn’t a specific activity, but simply making the most of the time left. Rhonda Falk wants to “spend as much time with my kids, making memories,” while Mark Carter says it’s about more time with his three daughters.
Summer may be flying by, but there’s still time to check a few more things off the list—and maybe add in a bonfire or two for good measure. (Kids go back to school on Thursday, September 4th in both the Hanover and Seine River school divisions.)
-With files from Carly Koop.