Lochel’s Bakery: The Sweet Election Poll Making Waves in Pennsylvania
Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, is experiencing overwhelming demand for its election-themed cookies, which serve as a playful poll for voters supporting Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The bakery has been running this cookie poll since 2008, predicting several election outcomes accurately, though it faltered in 2020. Sales in the current election cycle have surpassed 2020 levels, with orders pouring in from across the United States, fostering a positive atmosphere among customers.
Lochel’s Bakery, located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has gained significant attention for its unique election cookie poll, which has been conducted since 2008 during presidential elections. This lighthearted poll, which originally began as a playful interaction between the bakery’s owners and their customers, has transformed into a remarkably popular event, generating substantial demand for the bakery’s offerings. Lochel’s Bakery is currently inundated with orders, as patrons drive from as far as two hours away to purchase the cookies in person, with online shipments reaching as distant as Alaska. The bakery provides round sugar cookies, each four inches in diameter, adorned with sprinkles in party colors: blue and white for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and red and white for Republican candidate Donald Trump. Each cookie sold contributes to the respective candidate’s vote in the poll, with previous polls accurately predicting election outcomes for the first three cycles, although it faltered in 2020 when Donald Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Kathy Lochel, a co-owner and third-generation baker, reported an explosion in cookie sales during the last election cycle, emphasizing the enjoyable and stress-free nature of the cookie poll, stating, “It’s just a fun, non-stressful tally that we’re taking. It’s definitely not scientific. It’s just a delicious way I say to take the pressure off with what is going on with the election.” In the current election cycle, sales have already surpassed those recorded in 2020. Lochel indicated that cookies are so popular that shipments are currently back-ordered by three to four weeks, although the bakery guarantees delivery by Election Day on November 5. The bakery’s location in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, alongside the nearby populous suburbs of Philadelphia, likely bolsters its business, particularly as candidates compete for local support. Additionally, interest has surged following Trump’s recent promotion of the cookie poll on his social media platform, currently reflecting a significant lead with Trump cookies far surpassing those for Harris in sales. Despite the contentious nature of election season, Lochel remarked on the congenial atmosphere in the bakery, noting that all customers, regardless of their candidate preference, share a friendly demeanor. “The people that are coming into our store, whether they’re buying red or blue cookies, they’re friendly, they joke, they laugh, they buy other things,” she stated, illustrating the positive community spirit surrounding the cookie poll.
The article highlights the phenomenon of election-themed events and the ways in which businesses can engage with their communities during significant political moments. Lochel’s Bakery exemplifies a creative approach to political engagement through cookies, enabling customers to partake in a lighthearted poll that reflects local political sentiments. The article also underscores the bakery’s impact on community interaction and commerce, particularly in proximity to election events when political activity typically peaks. This innovative cookie poll serves as a barometer of public sentiment in a fun, accessible format, further amplifying the bakery’s visibility in a politically charged atmosphere.
In summary, Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, successfully blends community engagement with culinary creativity through its election cookie poll, which has grown significantly in popularity since its inception in 2008. With cookies serving as a delightful medium for expressing political preferences, the bakery attracts a diverse customer base and reinforces positive social interactions amid a typically divisive election season. The current surge in orders and the cheerful atmosphere reflect both the bakery’s enduring tradition and its role as a unique participant in the democratic process.
Original Source: whyy.org
