Aidan, 6, Lydia, 4, and Norah, 2, Clarke, of Lincoln, Neb., pose with Kool-Aid Man and the original costume Thursday afternoon, June 20, 2002, during the grand opening of the Kool-Aid exhibit at the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Hastings, Neb. The new exhibit spotlights 75 years of Kool-Aid fun. The kid-favorite beverage was invented in Hastings by Edwin Perkins in 1927. (PRNewsFoto)

HASTINGS, Neb., June 21 -- The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Hastings, Neb. marked the first day of summer (June 21, 2002) by opening the first-ever permanent exhibit dedicated to Kool-Aid(R), the kid-favorite soft drink that is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2002.

Kool-Aid Man, who initially became famous for his "wall-crashing entrances" when summoned by children in TV commercials, cut the red ribbon and officially opened the exhibit to the public. Kool-Aid Man then led invited guests on a tour of the exhibit that includes an original Kool-Aid Man costume, a theatre to view vintage Kool-Aid commercials, and even a fiber-optic "river of Kool-Aid."

The town of Hastings, Nebraska (population 25,000) is known as the "Birthplace of Kool-Aid" because Nebraska native Edwin Perkins invented the powdered soft drink in the small town in 1927. To honor Kool-Aid on its milestone birthday, the Hastings Museum has permanently dedicated a 3,300 square-foot exhibit to portray the Kool-Aid story.

For example, the exhibit displays Kool-Aid packets that highlight the wide variety of Kool-Aid flavors that have been introduced during its history -- from Raspberry (one of the original flavors and Edwin Perkins' personal favorite) to Rock-a-Dile Red to Kool-Aid's newest "Magic Twists" flavors. In addition, it showcases fun Kool-Aid give-aways that have been offered through the years to kids who mailed in points found on Kool-Aid packets.

To keep the exhibit contemporary, the museum will now be the first place to receive the season's new flavors and premiums so they can be added to the collection.

The museum also educates visitors to different varieties of Kool-Aid that have been sold through the years -- from by-gone products like Kool-Aid bubblegum and ice cream mix to the popular new Kool-Aid Jammers, the first pouch drink with a clear back so kids can watch the drink disappear sip by sip.

The museum features several interactive exhibits for visitors to explore the fun and colorful world of Kool-Aid. Kids can practice selling Kool-Aid to thirsty customers at a Kool-Aid stand, role play in a turn-of-the-century General Store, and create their own Kool-Aid packets.

In addition, the museum provides an in-depth look at Perkins and his Perkins Products Company that offered dozens of other products during its 43-year history. Perkins sold Kool-Aid to General Foods before retiring in 1953.

"Today, people know Kool-Aid as a refreshing beverage that puts a smile on both Moms' and kids' faces," said Teresa Kreutzer-Hodson, curator of the museum. "But they may not be familiar with the rich 75-year heritage of Kool-Aid. More than just a beverage, Kool-Aid has become a cultural icon that evokes fond memories for several generations of kids."

Hastings is approximately 90 miles west of Lincoln. The Hastings Museum is located at 14th Street and Burlington Avenue in Hastings. The museum is open seven days a week and also features a Lied Super Screen Theater, JM McDonald Planetarium and a children's Discovery Center. Call the museum at 800-508-4629 or 402-461-2399 or visit the web site at http://www.hastingsmuseum.org for hours and admission prices.

Visit http://www.kool-aid.com for more Kool-Aid information.

Kool-Aid is a registered trademark of KF Holdings.