On March 12, 1894, a momentous event unfolded in the quaint town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Joseph Biedenharn, a visionary candy store owner, made a daring move. He purchased a substantial amount of Coca-Cola syrup and did something unprecedented—he bottled it for sale! This marked the first instance of Coca-Cola being sold in bottles and ignited the journey of one of the world’s most beloved beverages.

The beverage’s roots can be traced back to 1886, when pharmacist John Pemberton introduced it at his Atlanta pharmacy. However, Joseph Biedenharn’s ingenious idea truly propelled the drink to fame. His humble candy store quickly became a local landmark, attracting people from all corners eager to lay their hands on these revolutionary new bottles, thereby becoming an integral part of the local history.

It is believed that Biedenharn was inspired to bottle up the drink after receiving countless requests from customers who wanted to take some home with them. Thanks to this innovative move, he soon expanded his business far beyond its current level, and he ultimately set Coke on its path towards becoming one of the most recognizable brands in the world! To commemorate this historic event, fans from around the globe come together on March 12th each year. They pay homage to Mr. Biedenharn’s vision and creativity with tributes, often dressing in vintage costumes or recreating scenes from early Coke commercials. They share their stories of first encountering the iconic soda, creating a global celebration of a local innovation.