(Photo by Sharkey M.) There's never been such thing as a free lunch, but you've been able to count on a free "prize in every box" of Cracker Jack since 1912. Introduced at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, the molasses-flavored popcorn and peanut snack quickly became a favorite, especially at baseball games. Sure, there are other products that include trinkets. Boton rice candy comes with an "amusing toy" and that cool edible inner candy wrapper. And what kid hasn't dumped out an entire box of cereal to get to their mercury-tainted Spidey Signal light gadget? Somehow, none of the alternatives measure up to the Cracker Jack institution. Just ask the New York Yankees, who tried to pull a switcheroo on Sailor Jack and his dog, Bingo, in 2004. Nope, nothing will do but lip smackin', whip-crackin', paddywhackin', knickaknackin' Cracker Jack and its little package of cheap thrills, some of which are worth a fortune today. Suggested Sites... Cracker Jack - get the scoop from the official site. NPR: Cracker Jack, Present at the Creation - watch a classic commercial, listen to the jingle, and hear the first recorded version of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Cracker Jack Box - dedicated to Cracker Jack collecting. Cracker Jack Cookies - this old recipe doesn't use the snack food, but it's "crackerjack" just the same.

Directory categories: Collecting, Toys, Free Stuff, Toy Museums

Archived under: Baseball, Collectibles, Food and Drink, Marketing, Toys

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