WHAT:

Lay's Potato Chips, America's favorite potato chip, is celebrating National Potato Chip Day (March 14) by giving NYC free chips!  On March 14, a special Lay's Happiness Truck will be making stops at various locations in NYC to spread happiness on the Potato's special day.  

WHO:

The Potato Chip (with a little help from the Lay's Happiness Truck)

WHY:

Lay's believes that happiness is simple, and what better way to celebrate National Potato Chip day then giving out free chips made with just three simple ingredients – potatoes, oil and salt!  Since the potato chip has been around for 157 years, there are many interesting facts about it, including:

• The potato chip was first made by George Crum in Saratoga Springs, NY on August 24, 1853 when a customer complained about his French fries. Crum tried to create an inedible dish, but to his surprise, the customer loved it.  

• The United States is the fourth largest producer of potatoes

• Americans consume nearly 16.4 tons of the potatoes a year

• Frito-Lay is the largest potato chip maker in the US, making chips from three simple ingredients - potatoes, healthier oils and salt.

• Popular flavors vary across the world.  For example, in the UK popular flavors include roast chicken and lamb & mint.  Heading to Japan?  Be sure and try some wasabi or soy sauce & butter flavored potato chips.  In Germany, beer flavored potato chips are sold.  Columbia's top flavors include mayonnaise and lemon.  Russians enjoy unusual varieties like crab and caviar, and in Egypt consumers can find flavors such as Kebab and stuffed vine leaves on the shelves!

WHEN:

Sunday, March 14

WHERE:

Times Square – 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Central Park (Columbus Circle) – 11:15-11:45 a.m.

FAO Schwarz – 12:00-12:30 p.m.

Times Square – 1:00-1:30 p.m.

Grand Central Station – 1:45-2:15 p.m.

Herald Square – 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Bryant Park – 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Union Square Park – 5:00-5:30 p.m.

MEDIA OPPS:

Media invited to any stop for free chips, visuals of the Happiness Truck and thousands of NYC residents enjoying free bags of America's favorite potato chip on National Potato Chip Day.

CONTACT:

Iya Bleyman

Iya.bleyman@ketchum.com

646.285.1305 (cell)