Top 7 flavors for national Ice Cream Day Celebrations You Don’t Want to Miss
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I remember spending summer afternoons at Braum’s as a kid, eating banana splits and watching the staff make their creamy treats. The smooth texture and choice of toppings made every visit special. Now, I look forward to National Ice Cream Day to try new flavors and experiences from ice cream shops.
This article will show you the top 7 National Ice Cream Day events you can’t miss. You’ll find everything from big festivals to special deals at favorite shops. So, get ready for a frozen adventure that will delight your taste buds!
Why National Ice Cream Day is a Big Deal
National Ice Cream Day is a special day for Americans. It was started in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. He wanted to honor the impact of ice cream on the dairy industry in the U.S.
Over time, the ice cream history and ice cream trivia have made it a big event. Now, it’s a day that brings together businesses, communities, and ice cream lovers.
The Origins and Evolution of National Ice Cream Day
In 1984, President Reagan made July National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday National Ice Cream Day. He wanted to celebrate ice cream’s role in American life and its impact on dairy.
Since then, more people and businesses have joined the celebration every year. National Ice Cream Day has become more popular.
Fun Facts About National Ice Cream Day
- Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor in America, accounting for 29% of total sales.
- The average American consumes over 48 pints of ice cream per year, with 90% of households in the country enjoying this delicious treat.
- The world’s largest ice cream sundae was made in Alberta, Canada, weighing a staggering 24 tons.
- Commercial ice cream production in the United States started in Boston in 1851.
- A single cow can produce enough milk in its lifetime to make 9,000 gallons of ice cream.
National Ice Cream Day has become a beloved tradition. It brings joy and treats to ice cream fans all over the country. From its start to the fun facts, this day keeps captivating and delighting people of all ages.
1. Major Ice Cream Festivals Around the Country
As National Ice Cream Day comes closer, ice cream fans across the U.S. are excited. They look forward to the many ice cream festivals around the country. These events bring together local and national ice cream makers and fans for a day of fun, food, and community.
The Best Ice Cream Festivals and What Makes Them Special
The National Ice Cream Festival in Pennsylvania is just one highlight. So are the San Francisco Ice Cream Festival and the Big Apple Ice Cream Festival in New York City. Each festival has its own special activities and experiences. You’ll find live music, carnival rides, contests, and demos on how ice cream is made.
How to Prepare for a Festival Experience
To fully enjoy the festival, arrive early and dress comfortably. Don’t forget to bring reusable containers for tasting all the flavors. Also, having cash is handy for buying from vendors and food trucks. Planning ahead helps you enjoy your ice cream festival trip to the fullest.
Top Festivals by Region: East Coast, West Coast, and Beyond
Every region has an ice cream festival to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. On the East Coast, the Philadelphia Ice Cream Festival and the Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival in New York are must-go events. Out West, the San Francisco Ice Cream Festival and the Loveland Ice Cream Festival in Colorado are unique experiences. In the Midwest and South, cities like Atlanta, Lafayette, and Columbus have their own ice cream festivals.
With so many festivals to choose from, ice cream lovers have a lot to pick from. Whether you want classic flavors, new creations, or just a day of frozen treats, these festivals are perfect. They promise to delight and satisfy your ice cream cravings.
2. Exclusive Deals and Promotions at Local Ice Cream Shops
Many ice cream shops across the country celebrate National Ice Cream Day with special deals and promotions. Shops like Handel’s, Milwaukee Joe’s, and The Ice Cream Place offer unique flavors and inviting atmospheres. Baskin-Robbins, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Cold Stone Creamery, and Braum’s also join in with their creative offerings.
Featured Ice Cream Shops Offering Special National Ice Cream Day Deals
- Dairy Queen gives a free Dilly Bar to DQ Rewards loyalty program members with any order of $1 or more.
- Cold Stone Creamery offers a $5 discount for My Cold Stone Club Rewards members on any $10+ purchase through the app or in stores.
- 7-Eleven rewards members can get 7-Select ice cream sandwiches for $1 until July 23.
- Baskin-Robbins gives a $5 discount on $20+ orders with a specific code in their app from July 21 to July 27.
- Burger King rewards members can buy a soft serve cone for 150 Crowns instead of 250 throughout July.
- Carvel offers a $6 discount on $35+ orders on Uber Eats and DoorDash from July 18 to July 21.
- Insomnia Cookies gives a free cup of ice cream (two scoops) with any purchase from July 19 to July 21.
- McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams discounts pints by 20% from July 19 to July 21.
Tips for Finding the Best Promotions and Discounts
To get the best deals, follow these businesses on social media and sign up for their loyalty programs. Supporting local ice cream shops on National Ice Cream Day means enjoying tasty treats and helping small businesses in your area.
How to Support Local Businesses on National Ice Cream Day
You can support local businesses on National Ice Cream Day by visiting your neighborhood ice cream shops. Try new flavors and share your experiences on social media. This helps small businesses grow and builds a community around ice cream.
3. Ice Cream Truck Tours: A Unique Way to Celebrate
For a memorable National Ice Cream Day, try an ice cream truck tour in your area. These trucks offer a variety of classic and new ice cream flavors. You’ll find everything from Mister Softee to Coolhaus and Yum Yum Ice Cream.
Popular Ice Cream Trucks and Their Special Offerings
Mister Softee is a well-known name in ice cream trucks. They serve soft-serve and classic ice cream flavors. Coolhaus brings a twist with gourmet ice cream sandwiches in unique flavors. Yum Yum Ice Cream stands out with its colorful trucks and a mix of traditional and special ice cream flavors.
Tips for Navigating Ice Cream Truck Tours
- Be ready to move fast, as ice cream trucks get busy on National Ice Cream Day.
- Have cash ready, as many ice cream trucks don’t take cards.
- Be open to different flavors, as popular ones can run out quickly.
Making the Most of Your Ice Cream Truck Experience
Plan ahead and get excited for an ice cream truck tour. Choose from a classic cone or a decadent ice cream sandwich. Enjoy the fun of these mobile dessert vendors to make your National Ice Cream Day unforgettable.
4. Creative DIY Ice Cream Making Parties
National Ice Cream Day is a great time to show off your ice cream skills. Think about having a DIY ice cream making party with your loved ones. This fun activity lets you create your own flavors and make lasting memories. Make sure you have all the diy ice cream making tools and ice cream making ingredients ready.
Planning Your DIY Ice Cream Making Event
First, pick a theme for your ice cream making party. Will it be a laid-back backyard bash or a fancy event? Think about how many guests you’ll have, the mood you want, and any special touches you want to add. With a plan, gather the ice cream making tools and ingredients you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Ingredients for a Successful Party
- Ice cream makers (electric or hand-cranked)
- Toppings and mix-ins (chocolate chips, sprinkles, fruit, etc.)
- Bowls, spoons, and scoops for serving
- Parchment paper or waffle cones for serving
- Syrups, whipped cream, and other garnishes
Fun Ice Cream Recipes and Ideas for Your Party
Be creative with your ice cream making recipes! Stick with favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, or try new mixes. Use seasonal fruits, fancy mix-ins, or even a bit of booze for a grown-up flavor. Let everyone bring their own recipe ideas to share. With DIY ice cream, the sky’s the limit!
Hosting a DIY ice cream making party is a sweet way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. It’s a chance to bond with friends and enjoy making ice cream together. So, get your ice cream makers ready and let the fun start!
5. Virtual Ice Cream Tastings and Online Celebrations
If you can’t go to National Ice Cream Day events in person, don’t worry. There are many virtual options to enjoy from home. Many ice cream brands and shops are hosting virtual ice cream tastings. Here, you can try different flavors and learn about your favorite frozen treats.
Some great virtual events to join for National Ice Cream Day are Baskin-Robbins’ 31 Flavors Celebration, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams’ flavor tasting, and Graeter’s interactive ice cream-making demos. These online ice cream celebrations let you try new flavors and meet other ice cream fans. Plus, you can do it all from home.
To enjoy your virtual ice cream experience, make sure you have tasting spoons and flavor notes ready. Talk with other participants and the event hosts. This way, you’ll get the most out of the national ice cream day virtual events and have fun.
6. Ice Cream-Themed Contests and Challenges
National Ice Cream Day is a great time to join in on ice cream-themed contests and challenges. You can enter everything from ice cream-eating contests to recipe challenges. It’s a chance to show off your love for this favorite frozen treat.
Exciting Contests and How to Participate
Look out for ice cream contests during National Ice Cream Day. These contests might be on social media, where you can post your best ice cream moments. Just make sure to follow the rules, which often mean sharing your entry on sites like Instagram or TikTok with certain hashtags.
How to Organize Your Own Ice Cream Contest
Feel inspired? Why not host your own ice cream contest? You could offer prizes like free ice cream for a year, custom cakes, or special merchandise. Spread the word through different channels to get people excited and join in.
Prize Ideas and Contest Promotion Tips
- Offer a year’s supply of free ice cream as the grand prize
- Create a custom-made ice cream cake for the winner
- Give away exclusive ice cream-themed merchandise or gift cards
- Promote your contest on social media, local event calendars, and through word of mouth
- Encourage participants to share their entries on social media using a branded hashtag
Joining ice cream contests and challenges is a fun way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. You could even win some tasty prizes. So, get creative and show off your ice cream skills!
7. Collaborations with Famous Ice Cream Brands
National Ice Cream Day is a big deal for ice cream fans. They look forward to new, limited-edition flavors from their favorite brands. These ice cream brand collaborations mix the skills of famous ice cream makers with popular brands. This creates special treats for ice cream lovers.
Notable Brand Collaborations and Limited Edition Flavors
Some big partnerships include Baskin-Robbins with Reese’s, Magnum with Talenti Gelato, and Carvel’s Camp Carvel merchandise. These partnerships lead to limited edition ice cream flavors that fans love.
How to Get Access to Exclusive Ice Cream Flavors
- Watch the brands’ social media and loyalty programs for special deals and early access to exclusive ice cream flavors.
- Join email newsletters to get the latest on brand collaborations and limited-time flavors.
- Act fast, as these exclusive ice cream flavors sell out quickly!
Behind the Scenes: How These Collaborations Come to Life
Creating these ice cream brand collaborations takes a lot of work. It involves developing flavors, designing packaging, and marketing strategies. Brands work together to capture their unique qualities, making a memorable experience for customers.
These ice cream brand collaborations mix classic flavors with beloved snacks or introduce new, creative tastes. They make National Ice Cream Day and other times exciting for ice cream fans.
Additional Tips for an Epic National Ice Cream Day
Let’s dive into some insider tips to make National Ice Cream Day unforgettable. We’ll cover the best ice cream flavors and how to share your moments. Get ready for an unforgettable ice cream experience.
Best Ice Cream Flavors to Try and Where to Find Them
Classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are always a hit. But, National Ice Cream Day is a great time to try unique and innovative ice cream flavors. Look for blueberry lavender at a local creamery or matcha green tea at a specialty shop. There’s a world of deliciousness waiting for you.
How to Capture and Share Your Ice Cream Day Moments
Don’t forget to share your ice cream adventures on social media. Take mouthwatering photos and create ice cream-themed videos. Use hashtags like #NationalIceCreamDay and #IceCreamDay to share your moments. Let’s create a virtual scrapbook of our love for ice cream.
Healthier Ice Cream Alternatives for a Guilt-Free Treat
For a healthier ice cream alternative, check out the market’s innovative options. Try plant-based ice creams, sorbets, and dairy-free frozen treats. These guilt-free treats let you enjoy National Ice Cream Day without any regrets.
Whatever way you celebrate, remember to enjoy the joy, explore flavors, and make memories. Happy National Ice Cream Day!
Conclusion: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a Bang!
National Ice Cream Day offers many ways to enjoy your favorite frozen treat. You can join big ice cream festivals, get special deals at local shops, or even host your own DIY party. It’s a chance to make memories and connect with others who love ice cream.
Recap of the Top 7 Celebrations and Highlights
Nationwide, National Ice Cream Day brings fun events and deals. You can enjoy festivals, shop deals, or go on ice cream truck tours. For a hands-on experience, try making your own ice cream at home. Or, join online tastings to celebrate from afar.
Final Tips for Making the Most of Your Ice Cream Day
Make the most of National Ice Cream Day by checking out special deals and contests. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite and share your fun with others. With creativity and a love for ice cream, you’ll have an unforgettable day.
