Happy National Popcorn Day!  You may be asking “why on earth is Arvest celebrating National Popcorn Day?”  This is a reasonable question.  However, we do have an answer.  Here’s how the story goes...

According to a long-term Arvest associate, it began around 30 years ago.  Sam Walton, founder of Arvest Bank, made an afternoon visit to the downtown Bentonville branch that’s nestled on the Bentonville Square.  He walked in and an unusual feeling came over him—a feeling that did not please him at all.  He mentioned that the atmosphere of the branch was too quiet and not friendly enough.  He instructed friend and Bentonville Bank President, Burt Stacy, to “pop some popcorn and have some balloons or something.”  Burt started popping popcorn, handing out balloons and playing music in the lobby to brighten up the branch for everyone who visits. 

The popcorn proved popular and soon after, other Arvest branches began doing the same.  Popping popcorn soon grew into a favorite Friday tradition and associates enjoyed the opportunity to hand out bags of popcorn to all Arvest branch visitors. 

Popcorn has established itself as a fundamental and unique part of the Arvest customer experience.  It is because of this tradition that we, Arvest Bank, celebrate National Popcorn Day. 

We invite you to celebrate with us!  Visit your local-area Arvest Bank branch for a bag of popcorn today.  We’ll also be giving away several Arvest Visa Gift Cards in a variety of popcorn-themed online contests!  Visit Arvest Bank on Facebook and @ArvestBank on Twitter all day today for many chances to win!

From all of us at Arvest Bank, Happy National Popcorn Day!