Free: Slurpees today, Starbucks drinks Friday

Anyone dropping by a 7-Eleven today can get a free 7.11-ounce Slurpee from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The promotional pretext is the date: July 11, or 7-11, which the chain of convenience stores is calling 7-Eleven Day.

For a location near you, go to www.7-eleven.com.

Wawa doesn't seem to be countering with a freebie of its own, judging from its website. And neither is Dunkin Donuts, which tends to be freebie-friendly.

But Starbucks, from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, will be handing out 12-ounce "handcrafted" Starbucks Refreshers beverages at participating stores.

"These low-calorie drinks are made with real ingredients like whole blackberries, lime slices and fruit juice, and are combined with Green Coffee Extract for a thirst-quenching boost of natural energy," Starbucks.com says.

Chick-fil-A is offering free meals on Friday, but there's a catch: You have to dress like a cow "from head to hoof." A partial costume gets a free entree.

There's even a helpful "starter kit" at CowAppreciationDay.com, which also touts a photo contest that starts Friday. Prizes include $100 gift cards.