KTRE.com Lufkin and Nacogdoches |East Texans celebrate Sesame Street's 40th birthday

East Texans celebrate Sesame Street's 40th birthday

LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) - Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th year with its largest audience yet.

After all this time, millions of viewers can't get enough of Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Grover, Cookie Monster and the rest of the crew.

Through the years the show may have made some changes since its start in 1969 but it remains a beloved show combining education and entertainment.

Old and young love and appreciate the Sesame Street crew. 

"Sesame Street really framed our childhood. I mean when you think back, not only did we learn our letters and our numbers, but we also were taught how to treat people and you were also taught that, everyone doesn't think like you do and to be nice to others. And it really framed a lot of our values that we know today”, said Sheila Adams, Marketing Director of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School.

The show has evolved over time, but its basic intent remains to educate and of course entertain. It seems everyone has a personal favorite.

"My favorite is Elmo He's red and he loves his fish," Tristan Minguez said.

"Probably Big Bird. He's big and he's yellow," Larry Thornhill said.

"Cookie Monster is my favorite," Collin Ross said.

"Probably Oscar the Grouch. He's just kinda has his own little attitude," Angela Snelson said.

And even with new educational programs as it's competition, the Street stays hot. And so does Sesame Street merchandise.

"They're pretty timeless. They're toys that carry through the generations," Target Manager Kris Hoepfner said.