Spam lovers have hailed a museum dedicated to the tinned meat ahead of its appreciation week.
The quirky tourist attraction has been open for 33 years.
But it is proving as popular as ever.
Spam Appreciation Week is celebrated in the UK in the first week of March which starts next Monday (4 Mar).
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The Spam Museum and Visitor Centre in Austin, Minnesota, US, is dedicated to its history, origin, and popular culture.
Admission to the museum is free.
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One visitor, called David Crowder said: “Very interesting and cool museum.
”All the interesting history is laid out in an interactive experience.
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”The Spam cans riding around the track up in the ceiling are neat to see. The gift shop has lots of cool stuff.
”The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable – all in all a cool place to visit.”
”Very interesting place to learn about the history of Spam,” said Chad Hill.
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Another visitor, called Jess said: “Plenty of fun facts and things to do – they even come around with Spam samples.
”They have lots of fun historical facts and a fun play place for kids.
”The store inside has some really cute spam souvenirs.”
Jess Mandrall said: “It was an amazing experience!
”I tried Spam for the first time – bought lots of cans, and other goodies.
”They have an amazing gift shop, learning centre, and friendly employees.
”I highly recommend it.”
Free samples of the tinned meat are also available for guests.
There is also a model cafe based on Monty Python’s musical, Spamalot.
Guests are offered a guided tour from experts – also called Spambassadors.
The museum also educates visitors on the history of Spam – which was a staple food in the Second World War.
Between 1941 and 1945 more than 1 million cans of SPAM Chopped Pork and Ham were shipped abroad to feed Allied troops during WWII.
The Spam brand first came to the UK in 1941 and was manufactured in Liverpool.
The quirky museum originated in 1991 as the Hormel Foods First Century Museum but it was later renamed to The Spam Museum.
The UK’s biggest Spam superfan became the first person to marry at the museum in 2017.
Mark, of Liverpool, changed his name by deed poll to Mark I love Spam Benson.
The processed food product is a favourite of ex Top Gear presenter, James May.
He featured a Spam ramen noodle dish in his cookbook, Oh Cook!
A spokesperson for Hormel Foods said: “Spam Appreciation Week has been going for more than 20 years and brings together fans old and new from all over the UK, to share their love of the world’s most iconic meat.
“From 4 to 10 March 2024, this famous meat will be celebrated.
”The cupboard staple has been feeding Brits for more than eight decades and that handy can of Spam Chopped Pork and Ham always keeps it real – versatile, tasty and always on hand ready to make quick and easy snacks and meals.
”One 340g can offer excellent value, comfortably feeding up to six people.”
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