Orange County Celebrates National Donut Day with Special Offers

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An array of delicious doughnuts celebrating National Donut Day.

News Summary

Orange County is preparing for National Donut Day with various local businesses offering delightful promotions. This annual tribute occurs on the first Friday of June, honoring the ‘Doughnut Lassies’ who supported American soldiers during World War I. From 7-Eleven to Krispy Kreme, many establishments are providing special deals on delicious doughnuts, ensuring that donut lovers can enjoy the sweet celebration while also recognizing the historical significance of the day.

Orange County Celebrates National Donut Day 2023 with Special Offers

Orange County is gearing up to celebrate National Donut Day on June 2, 2023, with various local businesses offering enticing deals. This annual event, observed on the first Friday in June, serves as a sweet tribute to the courageous volunteers who supported American soldiers during World War I. Known as the “Doughnut Lassies,” these women provided fried doughnuts using soldiers’ helmets to boost morale on the front lines.

Sweet Deals Await Doughnut Lovers

Numerous establishments across Orange County are participating in the festivities by providing special promotions on delicious doughnuts. Here is a selection of noteworthy offers:

7-Eleven: Glazed doughnuts for just 50 cents for rewards members on June 2, with the price increasing to $1 until June 24.
Dapper Doughnuts: Receive a free six-pack of either Cinnamon Sugar or Powdered Sugar Doughnuts with any purchase from Friday to Sunday.
Dunkin’: Customers can enjoy a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage alongside a collaboration for limited-edition branded merchandise.
Krispy Kreme: Any doughnut is complimentary on Friday with no purchase necessary, and a dozen Original Glazed is available for $2 with any dozen purchase. Special rewards member deals will begin Saturday.
LaMar’s Donuts: All locations will serve free Glazed Doughnuts to customers on Friday.
Paris Baguette: Rewards members can enjoy a free sugar mochi or small twisted doughnut with any purchase.
Shipley Do-Nuts: A free glazed doughnut will be provided with any purchase throughout the month, starting on Friday.
Voodoo Doughnut: Customers can select a free doughnut of their choice with the purchase of a $10 Pink Raised Glazed Dozen.

Historical Context of National Donut Day

The origins of National Donut Day trace back to 1938 in Chicago, where it was established to honor the 250 women, affectionately termed “Doughnut Lassies,” who volunteered for the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. These dedicated women prepared and served fried doughnuts to the troops, uplifting spirits during challenging times.

The term “olykoeks”, introduced by 19th-century Dutch immigrants, later evolved into the modern doughnut. Today, Americans consume approximately 10 billion doughnuts annually, showcasing the enduring popularity of these sweet treats.

Connection to the Asian Immigrant Experience

Additionally, the evolving cultural landscape associated with doughnuts can be explored through the lens of the documentary “The Donut King.” This film chronicles the journey of Bun Tek “Ted” Ngoy, who fled Cambodia as a refugee and built a successful doughnut empire in California during the 1970s. As a prominent entrepreneur, Ngoy has also played a vital role in assisting over 100 fellow Cambodian refugees to establish their lives in the U.S. through the doughnut business.

The documentary examines significant themes including family sacrifice, the immigrant experience, and the socio-political backdrop that influenced these narratives. It addresses the challenges and successes of second- and third-generation doughnut shop owners while reflecting on the evolving cultural perceptions of Asian immigrants and their contributions to American culinary traditions.

Currently, Ngoy is engaged in real estate ventures in Cambodia, where he reflects on his past achievements and connections to the U.S. as both a successful business figure and a benefactor for budding immigrants.

With a rich history and enjoyable offers, National Donut Day 2023 in Orange County promises to be an exciting celebration that honors the past while indulging in sweet delights.