2008 Woodie Awards
Fools found not just in April
Britt Yu
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Features
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It's not clear how or when the April 1 tradition started. One popular theory is that people first pulled pranks on those who didn't convert to the Georgian calendar and were still celebrating New Year's at the end of March. What is confirmed is that April Fools' Day was first called All Fools' Day in Europe during the late Middle Ages.
There were holidays going as far back as the Roman Empire that were similar to April Fools'. In the Middle Ages, there was the Feast of Fools where people mocked church rituals and elected a fake pope. This would also be the precedent to Mardi Gras and Carnival.
Fast forward to modern times. Pranks have weaseled their way into other days like high school Senior Prank Day and even Halloween. There are enough pranks to create reality shows like Ashton Kutcher's "Punk'd."
Thanks to the Internet, jokes can go further and easily fool millions. Last year, when Google offered TiSP, a free Wi-Fi service that had to be installed by stringing fiber-optic wires through your home's sewage lines.
On its website, San Diego's Museum of Hoaxes has compiled what they believe are the "Top 100 April Fools' Day Hoaxes of All Time." Some notable jokes on the list include:
BBC reported that due to favorable weather conditions and near extinction of the "spaghetti weevil," Swiss farmers could now have spaghetti crops. They included footage of people pulling the noodles from trees.
Sports Illustrated reported a new pitcher named Sidd Finch had joined the Mets with a throwing speed of 168 mph, but never played baseball before. Instead, he got his training at a Tibetan monastery.
Taco Bell announced that they bought the Liberty Bell and were renaming it as the Taco Liberty Bell.
One of the biggest pranks known for New York City is the annual April Fools' Day parade. Concocted by Joey Skaggs, press releases are sent to news outlets announcing wild themes and outrageous floats, making fun of current hot news topics. A "Fool of the Year" is even selected.
What's the catch? It's all a fake. Despite this, every year since 1986, reporters from various organizations such as CNN and spectators show up, hoping to see the crazy antics.
This year's "parade" is traveling down Fifth Avenue from 59th Street, ending at Union Square. George Bush and his cabinet will lead and be "pursued by an outraged lynch mob."
Floats include Michael Vicks' Dog Fight Float and former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer surrounded by prostitutes, saying he "will work hard to win back your trust."
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