In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation's population. In his proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
IDFA began its festivities last week with the debut of “Sunday Sundaes,” a recipe video series. Encouraging viewers to “have their bowl and eat it too,” the first video styles a decadent chocolate-shell sundae bowl in under a minute. The series will feature a new ice cream sundae recipe each Sunday of July, giving viewers a new way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month every week.
Visit the IDFA YouTube page to view the latest videos.
Instagram Ice Cream Photo Contest
IDFA also celebrated the start of National Ice Cream Month by kicking off of the fourth-annual Instagram Ice Cream Photo Contest. Users following IDFA on Instagram (@dairyidfa) are invited to share photos showing how they celebrate National Ice Cream Month for a chance to win free ice cream. Last year’s winning photos captured retro ice cream parlor visits, sprinkle-coated cones, smiling serving bowls and poetry-inspiring ice cream sandwiches.
To participate, entries should include the hashtag #IceCreamMonth and @dairyidfa. IDFA will host the images on its Instagram page, and will award the entry with the most likes each Friday in July.
IDFA is asking member ice cream companies to invite their fans and followers to participate in the contest.
In addition, ice cream companies are encouraged to share how they are celebrating National Ice Cream Month by tweeting @dairyidfa and posting on the IDFA Facebook page using #NationalIceCreamMonth.
For more information, contact Audra Kruse, IDFA communications specialist, at akruse@idfa.org.