Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has become the center of a highly popular election cookie poll initiated in 2008. The bakery offers cookies representing presidential candidates Harris and Trump, fostering community engagement and drawing a growing customer base, including orders from distant locations. This year, cookie sales are outpacing previous elections, illustrating the event’s whimsical appeal amidst political tension.
In Hatboro, Pennsylvania, Lochel’s Bakery is experiencing a surge in orders due to its unique election cookie poll, a tradition initiated during the 2008 presidential campaign as a lighthearted engagement between the bakery and its customers. The bakery specializes in sumptuous 4-inch sugar cookies, featuring two designs: one adorned with blue and white sprinkles representing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, and the other with red and white sprinkles for Republican candidate Donald Trump. Each cookie sold counts as a vote in the informal poll. The poll has garnered considerable attention over the years, having successfully predicted the winner in its initial three iterations, although it faltered in 2020, incorrectly forecasting Trump’s victory as he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Despite this setback, Kathy Lochel, a baker at Lochel’s and part of the bakery’s third generation, reported a remarkable spike in sales during that election cycle. “It’s just a fun, non-stressful tally that we’re taking,” Lochel noted, emphasizing the whimsical nature of this cookie poll amidst the stress of traditional election activities. This year, cookie orders are exceeding those from 2020, with shipments being sent as far away as Alaska and inquiries from customers driving considerable distances to purchase cookies in person. The bakery is currently facing back orders due to overwhelming demand, yet assures customers that shipments will arrive by Election Day on November 5. Additionally, the bakery’s location in politically pivotal Pennsylvania and proximity to populated suburban areas surrounding Philadelphia are likely contributing factors to the rising popularity of the cookie poll. Trump has notably shared this quirky poll on his social media, further inflating interest and leading to a significant margin in the cookie ballot, suggesting a unique engagement with voters as the election nears. Lochel illuminated the atmosphere surrounding cookie purchases, stating, “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.”
The cookie poll at Lochel’s Bakery originated during the 2008 presidential election, serving as a jovial way to engage with the community while predicting election outcomes. Over the years, it has evolved into a playful tradition that fosters enthusiasm for the electoral process, bringing together individuals from different political backgrounds in a festive and friendly spirit. The cookies—which represent candidates—not only serve as a tasty treat but also act as a non-scientific barometer of public sentiment in the lead-up to elections, becoming a cultural phenomenon and community staple. Despite the lighthearted nature of the endeavor, the poll has garnered significant media attention and customer participation, illustrating the intersection of food culture and political engagement.
In conclusion, Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has transformed a simple cookie sales initiative into a notable election-themed activity that captures the spirit of community engagement and political discourse. With significant demand for its cookies and operations expanding to accommodate orders from across the country, the bakery represents a clear example of how local businesses can create unique traditions that resonate with both consumers and local cultural events.
Original Source: whyy.org
