Free Slurpee Day marks 7-Eleven birthday on 7/11

It's July 11, and 7-Eleven is marking its 87th birthday with its annual Free Slurpee Day.

Participating 7-Eleven stores in the U.S. and Canada will give away 12-ounce Slurpees from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

7-Eleven was born in the summer of 1927 in suburban Dallas. It now operates more than 50,000 stores in 16 countries.

"In addition to selling blocks of ice to refrigerate food, an enterprising ice dock employee began offering milk, bread and eggs on Sundays and evenings when grocery stores were closed. This new business idea produced satisfied customers and increased sales, and convenience retailing was born!" the store's Facebook page says.

The company says until 1946, the stores were called "Tote'm" because customers "toted" their items away. Stores also featured actual totem poles in front. Then the stores made a name change to 7-Eleven.

"It's #7ElevenDay: get your free small @Slurpee! It's recognized universally (by us) as a get-out-of-work-free card," the chain's Twitter feed said.

"But wait, there's more...say whaaaaaaat? If you download the 7-Eleven mobile app, you can also enjoy 7-Eleven Week with free stuff every day from 7/12 - 7/19. Get it at http://bit.ly/1q9Xzbu," the chain's Facebook invite says.

Last year on 7-Eleven Day, the stores held a Slurpee Dance competition

Visit 7-eleven.com for details.