Golden Anniversary

Today marks my 50th blog post, and I want to thank all of you for reading! Your enthusiasm and support have made this process really quite fun. I enjoy reading your comments, both published here on the blog and sent to me personally, that have provided me with direction and encouragement to keep posting. So, thank you!

I'm not the only one, though, celebrating a milestone. Have you noticed how many companies and products are commemorating 2010 with an anniversary?

For starters, 2010 marks the 125th anniversary of Dr. Pepper. The bold soft drink combines 23 flavors to create its distinct taste. This summer, to honor its quasquicentennial, Dr. Pepper introduced a classic version, temporarily swapping out high fructose corn syrup for real sugar.

In 1925, Hostess got its start in Indianapolis when Continental Baking Company purchased a bakery called Taggart that was selling a popular new bread called Wonder. According to the company's website, Continental needed a line of cakes to sell alongside its bread and created Hostess cake. Eighty-five years later, adults and kids alike are still enjoying Hostess Cup Cakes and Twinkies, which Jimmy Dewar invented in 1930.

This year, too, Ocean Spray turns 80. When three cranberry growers decided to expand the cranberry market, they created such foodstuffs as cranberry sauce and cranberry juice cocktails. Today, Ocean Spray is the leader in canned and bottled juice drinks in the United States.

Friendly's Ice Cream is also celebrating this year as it turns 75 years old. The restaurant chain was founded in 1935 by brothers Curtis and S. Prestley Blake, who were only 18 and 20 years old, respectively, at the time. Their first shop in Springfield, Massachusetts, served only double-dip cones for a whopping five cents. Presently, the company boasts 505 restaurants in 16 states and manufactures its ice cream to supermarkets in 12 states.

This year, Dairy Queen commemorates two occasions; Not only was the company founded 70 years ago in 1940, but it also created the hugely successful frosty Blizzard treat 25 years ago in 1985.

Dunkin' Donuts also turns the big 6-0 this year. The first store opened in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Today, the company is the world's largest chain of coffee, donut, and bagel shops with more than 6,000 locations spanning the globe.

Congratulations to these companies and products, and thanks again for reading 10 Items or Less! If you know of companies or products that are observing birthdays or anniversaries in 2010, share it with me in the comments section.