Week of September 28th, 2026
Monday, September 28th
CLUES:
- THIS is the #1 producer of sweet potatoes in the U.S., growing nearly half of the nation’s crop.
- The largest emerald ever found in North America was discovered HERE — and it weighed a whopping 1,869 carats.
- Pepsi was invented HERE, created by a pharmacist in the town of New Bern.
ANSWER: National North Carolina Day!
Tuesday, September 29th
CLUES:
- During the Civil War, Union soldiers mentioned THIS in their diaries more often than “bullet” or “rifle.”
- 66% of American adults had THIS in the past day — making it more commonly consumed daily than any other beverage, including tap or bottled water, in the latest 2026 survey.
- THIS is a $500 billion-a-year industry in the United States alone!
ANSWER: National Coffee Day
Wednesday, September 30th
Clues:
- THIS has been banned in Singapore since 1992 to keep public spaces clean and prevent litter.
- In the 1920s, the average American went through about 105 pieces of THIS every year.
- In 1974, THIS became the very first product ever scanned using a UPC barcode at a grocery store. It was a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit.
ANSWER: National Chewing Gum Day
Thursday, October 1st
CLUES:
- In experiments, THESE have shown impressive problem-solving skills — including remembering solutions to tasks for years.
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THESE can rotate their hind feet nearly 180 degrees, allowing them to climb down a tree headfirst.
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THESE have incredibly sensitive front paws, with roughly four times as many sensory receptors as their back paws
ANSWER: International Racoon Appreciation Day
Friday, October 2nd
CLUES:
- Two factories—located in Union, New Jersey, and Newmarket, Ontario—operate 24 hours a day, five days a week, producing over 2.5 billion rolls and roughly 30 billion individual candy tablets every year.
- Because they are made from dry compressed ingredients, they do not melt in the heat, making them a mess-free treat.
- The company remains family-owned and is run by the founder’s three granddaughters—Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer, and Liz Dee—who serve as co-presidents.
ANSWER: National Smarties Day
