The provided source material documents two distinct promotional opportunities available to Oklahoma consumers: Election Day freebies offered by national brands in 2016 and a community soul food cook-off event in Muskogee. These offers illustrate how brands and local organizations utilize specific dates and cultural events to engage consumers with free food and activities. The information below is derived exclusively from the provided sources, which include a 2016 community news article regarding a soul food cook-off and a 2016 AARP article detailing Election Day promotions.
Election Day Promotions and Freebies
In November 2016, several national brands offered free products and discounts to consumers on Election Day. These promotions were designed to encourage voter participation and reward customers with complimentary food items. The availability of these offers was contingent upon visiting participating locations, presenting proof of voting, or utilizing specific coupons.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offered a free Original Glazed doughnut on Election Day, November 5, 2016. This promotion was available at participating shops while supplies lasted. Additionally, Krispy Kreme locations distributed "I Voted" stickers, allowing even early voters to display the symbol. Consumers were advised to locate their nearest participating shop and confirm the promotion's validity with the store prior to visiting.
Yogurtland
Yogurtland provided a 15 percent discount to in-store customers on November 5, 2016. To redeem this discount, customers were required to present an "I Voted" sticker at participating locations. Yogurtland operates over 200 locations nationwide, and consumers were encouraged to verify participation with their local store.
IKEA
IKEA offered a free frozen yogurt on Election Day, November 5, 2016. This complimentary dessert was available at the in-store Swedish Bistro. Redemption required the presentation of a printed or electronic version of a specific coupon. The offer did not require a purchase. Consumers were directed to the IKEA website to locate a nearby store.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets offered a free shake (excluding Craig’s Vegan Shakes) on November 5, 2016. This deal was available to in-store customers at participating franchises. The offer was valid with any purchase, and customers were required to say "free shake" at the register to redeem it. Consumers were advised to contact their local Johnny Rockets to confirm participation.
Dr. Martin Luther King Soul Food Cook-Off
The 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Soul Food Cook-Off took place on January 16, 2016, at the Muskogee Civic Center. Organized by Cassandra Gaines, the City of Muskogee Diversity and Community Liaison, the event was created to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and celebrate African American heritage through food.
Event Details and Offerings
The cook-off served as a venue for chefs to prepare soul food cuisine for thousands of attendees. Soul food was defined in the source material as comfort food made from scratch, including items such as sweet potato pie, smothered chicken and rice, smothered pork chops, homemade macaroni and cheese, greens, hot water corn bread, candied yams, and peach cobbler.
The event featured a judging panel consisting of professionals who own or manage restaurants. To ensure fairness, judges varied annually and remained unknown to the cooks. Additionally, a people’s choice award allowed attendees to vote for their favorite dish.
Admission to the event was $8, which included unlimited food. The event was described as family-friendly, offering cash prizes and an educational component regarding the history of soul food and cooking tips from top chefs. The location was the Muskogee Civic Center at 425 Boston Street.
Oklahoma Alcohol Sales Legislation
A separate source detailed a constitutional amendment approved by Oklahoma voters, known as State Question 792. This amendment, approved with a significant margin, allowed grocery stores to sell strong beer and wine starting in 2018. This legislation updated laws dating back to the Prohibition era, which previously limited grocery stores to selling beer with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent or less. While this legislation is not a freebie, it represented a significant change in consumer access to alcoholic beverages within grocery retail environments.
Conclusion
The sources highlight specific promotional activities available to Oklahoma consumers in 2016, ranging from national brand freebies on Election Day to local community culinary events. These offers required specific actions, such as presenting an "I Voted" sticker or paying an admission fee, and were available at designated locations or during specific timeframes. The information reflects the promotional landscape of that period, focusing on food-centric incentives tied to civic participation and cultural heritage.