IDFA hosted its first ice cream party with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday to continue the celebration of National Ice Cream Day, which officially was July 16. IDFA member companies generously provided a broad array of delicious ice cream flavors that were scooped by USDA employees at several stations in the department’s Farmers Market, located on the National Mall.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO, welcomed the gathered crowd and then introduced Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who stood by his side finishing a bowl of ice cream. When Secretary Perdue took the podium to begin his brief remarks, he led the crowd in chanting, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.” Soon after, Secretary Perdue joined a scoop team at one of the stations, put on a pair of gloves and began taking orders from employees and others who were waiting in line for their favorite treat.

Even the intermittent rain, which turned into a downpour at times, didn’t dim the spirits or appetites of the hundreds who attended. IDFA has learned that USDA is already asking for a repeat performance next year, and we’ll be happy to oblige.

Be sure to check other photos on Twitter and Facebook at @dairyidfa, as well as our video, which IDFA streamed live on Facebook.