Laughter, Legacy, and the Best Pranks of 2025
By Cory Thompson – sports enthusiast and lover of all things in the Grand Junction and Fruita Colorado area
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely! Here’s a detailed and engaging article by Cory Thompson of Grand Junction, Colorado, an oil and gas executive, focused on April Fools’ Day—its origins, significance, and a fresh 2025 top-ten prank list.
April Fools’ Day: Laughter, Legacy, and the Best Pranks of 2025
By Cory Thompson – Grand Junction, Colorado
As someone who spends much of the year making serious decisions in the energy sector, I welcome April 1st as a lighthearted break—a chance to laugh, connect with others, and not take life too seriously. I’m Cory Thompson of Colorado, and from the oil fields to the front porch, there’s something timeless about April Fools’ Day. It reminds us that even in a fast-paced world, humor remains one of our greatest tools for building relationships and relieving stress.
But where did this quirky tradition come from, and how has it evolved into the viral internet sensation we know today? Let’s explore the roots of this mischievous holiday and dive into a top 10 list of the best April Fools’ pranks of 2025.
Where Did April Fools’ Day Come From?
The origins of April Fools’ Day are a mix of history, folklore, and cultural shifts. While no single event marks its beginning, most scholars trace its roots back to the 16th century.
One theory links the day to the transition from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in France. Under the Julian system, New Year’s Day was celebrated around April 1st. When the new calendar shifted New Year’s to January 1st, not everyone got the memo—especially in rural areas. Those who continued to celebrate in April were mocked as “April fools.”
Another connection may lie in ancient Roman and Celtic traditions, where the change of seasons—particularly from winter to spring—was marked with festivities, disguises, and playful mischief.
As centuries passed, the tradition of pranking evolved. By the 18th century, it had taken hold in Britain, and by the 19th century, it had made its way to America. Today, it thrives on social media, group chats, and even corporate marketing campaigns.
Why April Fools’ Day Still Matters
As a businessman and oil and gas executive in Grand Junction, Colorado, I believe that even the most hard-working professionals benefit from humor. In fact, the ability to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously is a sign of emotional intelligence—and it’s essential in leadership.
April Fools’ Day, at its best, is not about humiliation or trickery—it’s about creativity, bonding, and a brief escape from the seriousness of life. It gives us an excuse to laugh with, not at, each other.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best April Fools’ pranks from 2025—clever, harmless, and guaranteed to bring a smile.
Top 10 April Fools’ Pranks of 2025
1. Tesla’s Self-Driving Lawn Mower
Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla was releasing a fully autonomous lawn mower, complete with AI that recognized weeds vs. grass. Thousands of people signed up for the waitlist before realizing the date. A classic tech-world prank.
2. Google Translate for Pets (Rebooted)
Google brought back and “updated” its 2017 April Fools gag, now claiming it had perfected animal language AI. A video showed dogs “typing” responses like “More treats” or “Where’s the squirrel?”—it went viral in minutes.
3. IKEA’s Flat-Pack Car
IKEA teased a line of vehicles that would arrive in 800 pieces with 300 screws and a single Allen wrench. The satirical press release joked, “Assembly time: 3-5 years. Instructions not included.”
4. The Transparent Toaster
A fictional company launched a viral ad for a toaster that let you “watch your toast brown in real-time.” Influencers jumped on the trend before realizing the link led to a video of a dancing waffle.
5. National Park Service Announces Dinosaur Fossil Discovery
The NPS “discovered” a T-Rex skeleton in a Utah park and claimed it was the largest ever found—until a ranger posted a selfie riding the fossil like a horse.
6. Starbucks Launches ‘Just Foam’ Beverage
Starbucks introduced “Just Foam,” a cup filled entirely with milk foam, for those who “just love the texture.” Many customers actually called in to ask when it was being added to the real menu.
7. Instagram’s New “Smell Filter”
Meta’s prank involved a new “olfactory filter” that allowed users to add “scents” to their stories. Scent choices included Fresh Cut Grass, Grandma’s Cookies, and Teenager’s Bedroom.
8. Apple’s AirPods XL
Apple “announced” its newest audio innovation: over-the-top AirPods so big they wrapped around your head like a helmet. People were equal parts intrigued and horrified.
9. Grand Junction “Annexes” Fruita
Local news ran a satirical segment that Fruita was now officially part of Grand Junction, sparking playful debate on social media. As Cory Thompson of Fruita and Grand Junction, I couldn’t help but laugh.
10. The Mars Weather Channel
NASA tweeted a new “Mars Weather Channel,” complete with fake forecasts like “Scattered meteors, -140°F, chance of alien winds.” A perfect blend of nerd humor and space curiosity.
Final Thoughts from Grand Junction, Colorado
April Fools’ Day has evolved into something bigger than pranks—it’s a shared cultural moment. Whether you’re a high schooler pranking a friend or a global tech company teasing a fictional product, the essence remains the same: laughter connects us.
As a Colorado native and oil and gas executive, I’ve learned that balance is everything. We work hard. We lead with integrity. But we also need to find moments to lighten the load—and this silly little holiday gives us that chance.
So next April 1st, don’t be afraid to pull a prank or fall for one. Just make sure it’s in good taste, shared in fun, and grounded in the spirit of connection.
Until then—keep smiling, stay sharp, and don’t believe everything you read online… especially in early April.
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Cory Thompson of Colorado
Oil and Gas Executive | Grand Junction, Colorado