Kool-Aid Days
Kool-Aid Days is an annual festival held in Hastings, Nebraska, celebrating the birthplace of Kool-Aid, the popular powdered drink mix. Here's detailed information about this event:
History
The festival commemorates the creation of Kool-Aid by Edwin Perkins in 1927. Perkins, who was born in Lewis, Iowa, moved his business to Hastings, where he developed and marketed Kool-Aid. The festival began in 1998 to honor this legacy and has since grown into a significant community event:
- First Kool-Aid Days: Held in 1998, it was initially a small community gathering to celebrate the local history and the impact of Kool-Aid on the town.
- Expansion: Over the years, the festival has expanded, now attracting thousands of visitors, including Kool-Aid enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.
Events and Activities
During Kool-Aid Days, visitors can enjoy a variety of events:
- Parade: A vibrant parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Kool-Aid-themed costumes.
- Kool-Aid Drinking Contest: Participants compete to see who can drink the most Kool-Aid in a set time.
- Kool-Aid Art: Local artists create Kool-Aid-inspired art pieces, which are displayed and sometimes auctioned off.
- Kool-Aid 5K Run: A fun run where participants often dress in bright, Kool-Aid colors.
- Free Kool-Aid: Stands throughout the town offer free samples of various Kool-Aid flavors.
- Historical Tours: Tours of the Hastings Museum, which houses exhibits on the history of Kool-Aid and Edwin Perkins.
- Food and Vendor Booths: Local food vendors offer Kool-Aid-themed treats and merchandise.
Significance
- Community Pride: The event fosters a sense of community and pride in Hastings, highlighting its unique contribution to American pop culture.
- Economic Impact: The influx of visitors boosts local businesses and tourism.
- Preservation of History: It helps preserve and celebrate the history of Kool-Aid and its creator, Edwin Perkins.
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