McDonald’s continued its summer-long 30th Birthday of the Happy Meal celebration by naming its “Happiest Cities in America” and by bringing back one of its more popular Happy Meal toys: Ty Teenie Beanie Babies plush toys.

McDonald’s held a celebration event for the residents of the Minneapolis metropolitan area, which was announced by McDonald’s and Sperling’s BestPlaces as the “Happiest City for Families” in America. Gymnast Shawn Johnson made a special appearance as the “happiness ambassador” to help McDonald’s unveil the results of its “Happiest Cities for Families” survey, conducted as part of the summer celebration.

“Going to McDonald’s to get a Happy Meal always was, and still is, one of my favorite childhood moments,” says Johnson. “I’m excited to be named the ‘happiness ambassador’ and share in the birthday fun with kids and families across America.”

McDonald’s commissioned the “Happiest Cities for Families” in America study with Sperling’s BestPlaces and examined 50 of the largest metropolitan areas using family-oriented criteria, such as the number of social activities, recreational resources, and household expenditures on activities.

Rounding out the Top 10 “Happiest Cities for Families” in America are: Atlanta; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Portland, Oregon; Denver; Baltimore; Seattle; Kansas City, Missouri; and Austin, Texas.

“Having fun and spreading happiness is what this 30th Birthday celebration is all about,” says Rebecca Anderson, McDonald’s U.S. marketing manager. “We are honored to recognize each of these cities for the family fun they provide and look forward to extending the birthday excitement by bringing back the Ty Teenie Beanie Baby toys.”

Customers will receive one of 30 different Teenie Beanie Baby plush toys with their Happy Meal purchase between July 17 and August 13.

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