Ale-8-One marks 100 years with packaging, fan campaign and Winchester street party

By AI, Created 5:17 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Ale-8-One is celebrating its 100th anniversary with commemorative packaging, fan submissions and a community birthday event in Winchester, Kentucky. The milestone rollout starts in June and culminates in an Aug. 1 street party, with a July 13 birthday compilation and prizes for retail customers.

Why it matters: - Ale-8-One is using its 100th anniversary to turn a brand milestone into a yearlong community campaign. - The centennial highlights the soda’s deep Kentucky roots and its long-running local fan base. - The celebration also gives retailers, shoppers and residents multiple ways to take part.

What happened: - Ale-8-One is marking 100 years on July 13. - The company will hold an official birthday bash on Aug. 1 in downtown Winchester, Kentucky. - Commemorative glass bottles begin reaching stores in June. - Fan submissions are being collected at the centennial site.

The details: - The special bottle labels feature the founding year 1926 and 2026 on ribbons around the Ale-8 shield. - The commemorative bottles will ship in special 6-pack cartons with an original Ale-8 diamond design. - Truck displays and birthday cake displays will roll out with the packaging. - Fans can submit photos, videos or testimonials about their favorite Ale-8 memories. - The company may use that content during centennial events and in online promotions. - Fans can also submit a 5-7 second birthday video clip by June 1. - The birthday clips will be used in a compilation released on July 13. - Ale-8-One Day will run from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Aug. 1 in downtown Winchester. - The street party will include a Historical Society marker unveiling, parade and block party. - The event will also feature Ale-8, family activities, a special Ale-8 storefront, food trucks, Ale-8 ice cream floats and live music. - Retail partners will give away 100 prizes from May 18 through July 15 through entries at participating stores. - Prizes include two-night cabin stays at The Hideaways in the Red River Gorge, branded dorm fridges and 100th anniversary merchandise.

Between the lines: - Ale-8-One is leaning on nostalgia and local participation to deepen customer loyalty during the centennial year. - The fan-content push suggests the company wants the anniversary to feel community-owned, not just company-branded. - The downtown street party also reinforces Winchester as the center of the brand’s identity.

What’s next: - Commemorative packaging and displays will start appearing in stores in June. - Fan video clips are due by June 1. - The 100th anniversary compilation will be released on July 13. - Retail prize giveaways continue through July 15. - Ale-8-One Day follows on Aug. 1 in Winchester.

The bottom line: - Ale-8-One is turning a century in business into a multi-month celebration built around heritage, customers and hometown pride.