Wendy's look-alike contest draws fans with red wigs, pigtails

Wendy's mascot, Wendy, is one of the most iconic redheads, and the chain celebrated World Redhead Day in a big way and offered fans a chance to win free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year.

On Tuesday, May 26, Wendy's held a look-alike contest at Seaport Square in New York City. Whether they rocked a wig or their natural hair, everyone was welcome to join, but had to be 18 years or older to enter the competition.

Nearly 20 people participated in the contest.

Wendy's mascot, named Wendy, is a redhead with her hair styled in two pigtails, each with a blue bow at the end. She has bangs and freckles and wears a blue-and-white striped top.

Wendy Thomas, Wendy's founder, Dave Thomas' daughter, and the original Wendy who inspired the brand's mascot, was one of the judges at the competition

The competition had three rounds, during which contestants had to showcase their Wendy-like qualities to be crowned No. 1.

What did contestants do during the Wendy's look-alike contest?

The contest was made up of three rounds, according to the news release:

• Round 1-  Contestants will jump onto a stage to show off their best Wendy’s look. 
• Round 2 - Contestants will prepare a social media-worthy post for National Hamburger Day (on May 28) that embodies Wendy's "witty, playful tone" and read it aloud.
• Round 3: Finally, three to five finalists will perform an original Wendy's-style commercial.

The winner, Jennifer, an Ohio native, was determined by crowd applause and the judges' scores.

What was the grand prize?

The winner took home the grand prize: free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year.

Keep the fun going with Wendy's Merch Drops

Wendy's will continue to bring fun events to its fans with exclusive merch drops for loyalty members, according to a news release on its website. In previous weeks, as part of the merch drops, Wendy's has given away tote bags and charm bracelets.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 3 p.m. ET, the brand will give away free Wendy's F.C. Soccer Jersey through the Wendy's mobile app. The brand will also give away Canon Powershot G7X Mark III Digital Cameras on Wednesday, June 3 at 3 p.m. ET.

To participate, fans must be Wendy’s Rewards members and have the app downloaded on their smart devices.

Once the merchandise window opens in the app, tap it and follow the on-screen instructions to claim the merchandise while supplies last. Rewards members will also receive notifications with a link to the entry page.

This story has been updated with new information.

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].