Philadelphia celebrated the origins of the Girl Scouts’ cookie sales at a special event dubbed ‘Firstival’ on March 16, 2024. This gathering, part of Historic Philadelphia’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” initiative, brought together former Girl Scouts and cookie enthusiasts to honor the tradition that began in 1932. The event took place at PECO’s headquarters at 23rd and Market streets, highlighting the enduring partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and PECO.
A Sweet Legacy in Philadelphia
Attendees sampled and purchased a variety of cookies, voted on their favorite flavors, and learned about the history of the Girl Scouts in Philadelphia. According to Nicole Levine, PECO’s chief operating officer and board chair of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, the first public cookie sale occurred when Girl Scouts baked cookies in “demonstration ovens” and sold them from the window of PECO’s original Broad Street headquarters. Levine, a former Girl Scout herself, expressed pride in the event, stating, “We’re honored the Girl Scouts are being recognized for one of Philadelphia’s firsts.”
During the event, a storyteller from Once Upon a Nation, a program supported by the Historic District of Philadelphia, recounted the origins of the cookie sales. Attendees also admired a newly unveiled sculpture honoring this significant moment in local history, designed by Carol Cannon-Nesco, a native Philadelphian who was the top cookie seller in her Girl Scout troop.
Community Engagement and Celebrations
The celebration was not only about cookies but also about community engagement. Kim Fraites, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, remarked on the importance of the event: “It’s a big year for the country, and obviously for Philadelphia.” Phylicia Epps, who heads Philadelphia strategy and partnerships for GSEPA, expressed her joy in facilitating the organization’s growth and participating in the America 250 celebrations.
Local residents attended to celebrate their connections to the Girl Scouts. Richard Powell shared a personal family history, recounting how his mother was among the original Girl Scout cookie bakers in the 1930s. “They took the bus to the PECO building, which had lots of windows and a functioning kitchen. In that kitchen, they baked Girl Scout cookies for sale,” he recalled. For Powell, the event served as a nostalgic reminder of his mother’s legacy.
As part of the festivities, attendees were able to purchase cookies directly from troop members and vote for their favorites. While Epps favored the new Adventurefuls, Powell declared himself a “peanut butter guy.” Ultimately, the perennial favorite, Thin Mints, emerged victorious in the unofficial cookie contest.
Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, underscored the significance of the “52 Firsts” initiative, which is designed to celebrate Philadelphia’s rich history as it approaches the semiquincentennial. “What’s more synonymous with America than the Girl Scouts? That was one of those lesser-known stories that I think most of us had no idea about,” he stated.
In her remarks, Fraites emphasized that the Girl Scout cookie season, which has been extended through March 22, 2024, due to recent cold weather, represents much more than just cookie sales. “When a Girl Scout sells cookies, she’s learning how to set a plan, speak with confidence, handle challenges, and see the impact of her work,” she explained. “Generation after generation, this program has helped girls build courage, confidence, and character, proving that something that starts with a cookie can help shape future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.”
The event not only celebrated a sweet tradition but also reinforced the Girl Scouts’ role in empowering young women and fostering community spirit in Philadelphia.
