Kool-Aid Man in Hastings: The Birthplace of the Beloved Drink
Traveling through Nebraska, one comes across numerous roadside attractions that make the journey truly unique. Among these attractions, the Kool-Aid Man in Hastings stands out as a cultural icon and a testament to the state's rich history. Located at 318 S Burlington Ave, Hastings, Nebraska, the Kool-Aid Man is a seven-metre-tall fiberglass sculpture that draws visitors from across the globe.
The Kool-Aid Man is, in fact, closely tied to the origins of the eponymous drink, Kool-Aid. Kool-Aid was invented by J. Wellington Winters in 1921, in Hastings, Nebraska. Winters, an enterprising entrepreneur, began experimenting with powdered soft drink mixes and eventually created the precursor to Kool-Aid. Ed Markel, a friend of Winters, invested in the venture, and in 1921, the duo launched Kool-Aid, initially under the name 'Fruit-Smack'.
The growth of Kool-Aid as a company led to the development of its now-iconic mascot, the Kool-Aid Man. The mascot, a humanoid pitcher, was launched in 1974 and was created by the advertising agency Dancer Fitzgerald Sample. Initially, the mascot was utilized for various television commercials, where the Kool-Aid Man would exclaim "Oh yeah!" and enthusiastically endorse the product. The now-familiar catchphrase 'Oh yeah!' was performed by voice actor Frank Simms.
Over time, the popularity of Kool-Aid and the Kool-Aid Man led to various spin-offs, including video games, advertising promotions, and other marketing initiatives. As the brand's influence continued to expand, Hastings, Nebraska, solidified its connection to Kool-Aid's origins. The construction of the seven-metre-tall Kool-Aid Man in 1996 marked a turning point for the town, acknowledging the company's long and storied history.
Kool-Aid itself has undergone numerous iterations, with the initial flavor being grape and the modern-day drink including options like Fruit Punch, Lemon-Lime, and more. These flavors were contributed to by several companies, General Foods, then later, Kraft Foods, which acquired Kool-Aid in 1990. A Kool-Aid Man display has also been added at the Hastings' Chimney Rock Historic Site Visitor Center at 461 S Burlington Ave.
By recognizing the deeply ingrained relationship between Kool-Aid, the Kool-Aid Man, and Hastings, Nebraska, one begins to fully appreciate the role of road-side history, in Nebraska. Through these efforts and local tales surrounding the evolution of Kool-Aid, this great roadside American icon flourishes and is destined to endure among years of America's traveling history legends.
To date, one famous tradition started in Hastings carries on into each passing holiday season: it begins on a Thanksgiving nighttime gathering where attendees unveil brilliant illuminated murals constructed on an electric decorated street line between 116 1/2 feet overhead on a section of blocks showcasing what it truly stands for.
The Kool-Aid Man is, in fact, closely tied to the origins of the eponymous drink, Kool-Aid. Kool-Aid was invented by J. Wellington Winters in 1921, in Hastings, Nebraska. Winters, an enterprising entrepreneur, began experimenting with powdered soft drink mixes and eventually created the precursor to Kool-Aid. Ed Markel, a friend of Winters, invested in the venture, and in 1921, the duo launched Kool-Aid, initially under the name 'Fruit-Smack'.
The growth of Kool-Aid as a company led to the development of its now-iconic mascot, the Kool-Aid Man. The mascot, a humanoid pitcher, was launched in 1974 and was created by the advertising agency Dancer Fitzgerald Sample. Initially, the mascot was utilized for various television commercials, where the Kool-Aid Man would exclaim "Oh yeah!" and enthusiastically endorse the product. The now-familiar catchphrase 'Oh yeah!' was performed by voice actor Frank Simms.
Over time, the popularity of Kool-Aid and the Kool-Aid Man led to various spin-offs, including video games, advertising promotions, and other marketing initiatives. As the brand's influence continued to expand, Hastings, Nebraska, solidified its connection to Kool-Aid's origins. The construction of the seven-metre-tall Kool-Aid Man in 1996 marked a turning point for the town, acknowledging the company's long and storied history.
Kool-Aid itself has undergone numerous iterations, with the initial flavor being grape and the modern-day drink including options like Fruit Punch, Lemon-Lime, and more. These flavors were contributed to by several companies, General Foods, then later, Kraft Foods, which acquired Kool-Aid in 1990. A Kool-Aid Man display has also been added at the Hastings' Chimney Rock Historic Site Visitor Center at 461 S Burlington Ave.
By recognizing the deeply ingrained relationship between Kool-Aid, the Kool-Aid Man, and Hastings, Nebraska, one begins to fully appreciate the role of road-side history, in Nebraska. Through these efforts and local tales surrounding the evolution of Kool-Aid, this great roadside American icon flourishes and is destined to endure among years of America's traveling history legends.
To date, one famous tradition started in Hastings carries on into each passing holiday season: it begins on a Thanksgiving nighttime gathering where attendees unveil brilliant illuminated murals constructed on an electric decorated street line between 116 1/2 feet overhead on a section of blocks showcasing what it truly stands for.
