Lochel's Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has transformed a humorous cookie "poll" from 2008 into a widely followed tradition. The bakery offers 4-inch sugar cookies adorned with either blue and white sprinkles with a Harris 2024 label or red and white sprinkles with a Trump 2024 label. The initiative has captivated customers, drawn orders from as far as Alaska, and seen substantial in-person traffic, with Helene Moran even celebrating her 82nd birthday by purchasing Trump cookies.
Despite its lighthearted intent, the poll has garnered serious attention. Kathy Lochel, whose husband continues the family tradition as the bakery's third-generation baker, notes the fun in this non-scientific tally. "It's just a delicious way to take the pressure off with what is going on with the election," she explains. The bakery ensures shipments arrive by Election Day, November 5, although cookies are currently on back order.
Interestingly, the bakery's locale in the electorally significant state of Pennsylvania adds to its prominence. Trump's social media post about the cookie poll has spurred activity, leaving Trump ahead of Harris in the cookie poll by a significant margin, 12,558 to 889. Lochel emphasizes the community spirit in her shop, noting that "people are friendly whether they're buying red or blue cookies." This year's sales have already outperformed those of 2020. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)