Johnsonville Sparks Excitement for America's 249th Birthday with Festive Celebrations

Johnsonville Sparks Excitement for America's 249th Birthday



As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, one brand is determined to kick off the celebrations a year early. Johnsonville, the beloved sausage brand, is leading the charge by launching an initiative designed to address what they term the nation’s “fun deficit.”

According to recent statistics from the Johnsonville National Temperature Check, conducted by The Harris Poll, a significant portion of the American populace feels disconnected from each other. Their survey revealed that 78% of respondents believe they are spending less time socializing, while 90% affirmed the need for shared community experiences, especially in challenging times. The data suggests a resounding consensus: delicious food and delightful gatherings are essential for fostering community spirit.

In a push to reignite the joy of communal celebrations, Johnsonville has unveiled the Party Starter—an impressive 80-pound, 249-link sausage variety pack that aims to bring families, friends, and neighbors together. Starting May 19, 2025, the brand invites 249 lucky winners to receive this limited-edition offering straight to their door, reinforcing the idea that fun is not just reserved for significant milestones but is essential every day of the year.

The Fun Deficit: A Call for Togetherness


Jamie Schmelzer, Johnsonville’s Vice President of Marketing, emphasized the need for this initiative: “We know lots of organizations—even the White House—are focused on America’s 250th in 2026. But the data is clear: America needs fun now.” By encouraging people to celebrate its 249th anniversary, Johnsonville hopes to catalyze community interaction, which has been dwindling over the years.

Brian Ganther, Chief Creative Officer at the advertising agency Hold Fast, which collaborated with Johnsonville for this campaign, remarked, “Culturally, Americans need togetherness more than ever. The Party Starter is a direct response to that. Food has a unique way of uniting people, and we wanted to deliver an extravaganza that could facilitate just that.”

Enter to Win the Party Starter


From now until June 16, fans can participate in the contest to win the Party Starter by visiting www.partystarter249.com and sharing a brief story (249 characters or fewer) about a “party starter” in their life—the person who brings others together for fun and food. Winners will be announced on June 17, with deliveries expected in the week leading up to July 4th, ensuring that they have plenty of delicious sausages for their Independence Day celebrations.

Each Party Starter box boasts a variety of Johnsonville favorites, including Original Brats, Beddar with Cheddar Smoked Sausage, and their new Hot Dog. Winners will also receive crowd-pleasing Summer Sausage, exclusive 249th-themed merchandise, and a collapsible handcart for easy grilling setups. The initiative aims to emphasize camaraderie over isolation and encourages communities to reconnect through shared meals and memorable moments.

A New Campaign to Celebrate Togetherness


The campaign builds upon Johnsonville's ongoing effort to foster unity through its Keep It Juicy platform, launched in 2024. With this year’s theme centered on “no more waiting, the time to celebrate is now,” the brand aims to bring fun back into the lives of its customers.

Johnsonville has rolled out captivating 30-second and 60-second commercials featuring playful historical references blended with humor to highlight that making memories doesn't require auspicious occasions. These ads are currently being broadcasted across various channels, both online and offline.

Ultimately, Johnsonville is dedicated to making America’s 249th anniversary an occasion of joy, togetherness, and delicious food, serving both as a reminder of the importance of community and a catalyst for reconnecting with one another. To stay updated, follow @Johnsonville on Instagram and join the conversation using the hashtag #PartyStarter249.

About Johnsonville, LLC


Founded in 1945, Johnsonville is the leading national sausage brand, known for its over 80 varieties sold in more than 40 countries and featured in over 75 stadiums nationwide. Remaining family-owned, the company employs nearly 4,000 passionate team members globally.

Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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