This week's Fun Friday kicks off with some news from Keebler's Hollow Tree: not only is the brand releasing new E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookies, they're also "uprooting [their] home and traveling far and wide so you can enjoy E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookies straight from our elf-sized windows."

Starting May 7, look for elf-sized footprints and follow the smell of fudge in the air to mystical lands called New York, Chicago, and Cincinnati.

The fun doesn't stop there. Consumers can scan the E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookie packaging to enter its Open for Magic digital platform–a place where dreams are powerful, and stories come alive. On the site, consumers will be be prompted to scan the cookies to unlock a new story about Ernie and his elfin pals, and can win a magical adventure for the whole family, valued at up to $20,000. Also, each week, 15 winners will receive a $25 gift card to their preferred retailer. Now through June 22, look for the magic in everyday moments at OpenforMagic.com.

Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week deals

Peter Piper Pizza, la Madeleine, and Shiply Do-Nuts are all offering deals for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9) and Nurse Appreciation Week (May 6-12).

• Peter Piper Pizza
  • Peter Piper Pizza is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by offering a free 7” 1-topping personal pizza to all teachers from May 5 to May 9, available from 3 pm to 7 pm  
    • Offer available only to teachers with a valid with school ID  
    • Available only in Arizona and Albuquerque locations  
• la Madeleine 
  • Treat yourself and the teacher or nurse in your life to a BOGO bakery item only on May 6. No ID required, and offer only available through the Bonjour Rewards app. 
• Shipley Do-Nuts 
  • Celebrate the hero in your life with Shipley Do-Nuts from Sunday, May 4 through Tuesday, May 6. Teachers and Nurses (or any hero in your life) receives a free half-dozen doughnuts, no purchase necessary.

Setton Pistachio announces First Annual Drone Challenge Contest

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second-largest pistachio grower and processor, has annnounced the recipients of its first annual Drone Challenge contest. This initiative was launched as part of Setton’s commitment to fostering advanced education for students and to encourage the development of future technology leaders and innovators.

Setton partnered with Harmony Magnet Academy (Academy of Aviation and Leadership), Porterville Military Academy (Academy of Engineering), Strathmore High School (Emerging Agriculture Technology Academy), and Granite Hills High School (Computer Operations Development in Education Academy), which created teams of students to participate in the challenge. Setton provided the drones, and each team was tasked with designing, developing, testing, and deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for targeted operational missions. The school with the winning team received $5,000, and each student received $500. The second-place school received $2,500, and the third-place school received $1,000. Additionally, all the other students received a participation award of $250.  

The 2025 recipients are: first place, Granite Hills High School (students: Christian Gutierrez, Carlos Lara, Shane Thornton, Teddy Santoyo, Ezikel Jimenez, and Rodrigo Millan); second place, Porterville Military Academy (Team 1, students: Connor Lanning, Ariyiah Brazell, Iyari Saucedo, Sawyer Stephens, Abraham Valdovinos, and Aidsa Landeros); and third place, Porterville Military Academy (Team 3, students: Andrew Lemus, Luke Mathis, Jesus Nunez, Marcello Magana, Wendy Tapia, and Bryan Miranda).  

Projects were judged on the effectiveness of mission accomplishment, flight plan efficiency, power management, cargo and payload planning, workflow design, mission complexity, and flight logs. The judging panel was comprised of Setton employees, school representatives, and local leaders. Winners were honored at an award luncheon at Setton Pistachio on Friday, April 25.   

Setton Farms launched its College Educational Scholarship Program in 2016 and has awarded 159 scholarships to employees, local community members, and students worth $199,750. For more information on available programs and Setton’s ongoing mission, please contact Patricia Murcia at (559) 535-6050.

Krispy Kreme sweetens REAL ID deadline with free Original Glazed Doughnuts on May 7

As Americans race to state DMVs to meet the May 7 REAL ID deadline, Krispy Kreme is sweetening the rush – and relieving the stress – with a surge of free Original Glazed Doughnuts. 

Next Wednesday, May 7, Krispy Kreme will give all guests one free Original Glazed doughnut all day in shop or via drive-thru at participating shops, limit one per guest, no purchase necessary and no ID required. 

Consumers can share how they're enjoying a free Original Glazed doughnut May 7 by using #KrispyKreme and tagging @krispykreme on social media. For more information about this promotion, visit KrispyKreme.com/offers/free-original-glazed.

HI-CHEW releases frozen treats

HI-CHEW has reimagined its chewlets into a new frozen form just in time for the warmer weather. HI-CHEW POP is now exclusively available at San Francisco Bay Area Costco locations while supplies last. 

HI-CHEW POP comes in consumer-favorite Grape and Strawberry in the brand's signature double, reportedly featuring a silky center and fruity flavor coated exterior.