Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company will donate 100% of sales at its Bluffton location to the Bluffton Public Library during Shirley’s Birthday Celebration on June 16.

The day’s activities will include buy-one-get-one specials, a 5K run, a family street carnival, ice cream sundaes, and a free children’s coloring contest.

The annual celebration will be held on Saturday, June 16 at the original Shirley’s location at 117 S. Main St. in downtown Bluffton.

“The Bluffton Public Library is an amazing asset to our community, and it’s just steps from our front door,” said Pete Suter, Shirley’s co-founder and CEO. "Shirley would have been proud to know that her birthday will support reading and literacy right here in Bluffton."

The day begins at 9 a.m. with Shirley’s and Friends of the Bluffton Public Library 5k Run/Walk for Literacy. Registration is $20, while children age 10 and under run for free. Runners can register for the race at the Bluffton Public Library or online at bit.ly/bluffton5k, and t-shirts will be provided to participants who sign up before May 31.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Shirley’s will host a family carnival on Main Street in Bluffton featuring inflatables, kids’ carnival games and a dunk tank. In addition, ice cream sundaes with Shirley’s signature Caramel To Die For popcorn will be available for a $2 donation, with all proceeds to benefit the Bluffton Public Library.

Customers of all ages are invited to participate in a free coloring contest in-store on June 16 and receive a copy of the original story book, “Timothy Troyer Tries Toast.” The book’s local award-winning illustrator, Jenny Hanf, created the coloring page, which customers can pick up in-store or download at bit.ly/shirleyscoloringpage.

Suter says Shirley’s is also dedicated to a growing downtown Bluffton, and
customers with a same-day $10 receipt from any downtown Bluffton business can
receive a free small bag of Caramel To Die For popcorn. “As one of our core
values, we are committed to creating strong relationships with our community,” said Suter, “and our goal is to show visitors all our hometown has to offer.”

Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company was founded in Bluffton, Ohio, in 2009
and currently has corporate and franchise locations in Indiana, Ohio and
Virginia. Since 2014, Shirley’s family of franchisees have donated more
than $35,000 to reading and literacy organizations in their communities.

Saturday, June 16 All-Day Promotions
•    100% of sales donated to the Bluffton Public Library
•    Buy one bag of popcorn, get one bag FREE
    (equal or lesser value, limit two free bags)
•    FREE small bag of Caramel To Die For popcorn with a same-day $10 receipt
    from any downtown Bluffton business (one per customer)
•    FREE coloring contest, all participants receive a copy of “Timothy Troyer
    Tries Toast” picture book

Saturday, June 16 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Street Carnival
•    FREE inflatables, children’s carnival games, and dunk tank
•    Caramel To Die For ice cream sundaes available for $2 donation
•    All proceeds presented to Bluffton Public Library