Amid sweltering temperatures in Washington, D.C., thousands of congressional leaders, their families and friends came out to this year's Capitol Hill Ice Cream party. The event is a favorite among members of Congress and their staff who look forward to enjoying ice cream in the Senate side park and mingling with colleagues and friends.

IDFA staff members and volunteers served more than 2,000 gallons of ice cream and frozen yogurt, 6,000 root beer floats and 44 cases of sundae syrups. Kids were treated to face painting, and games. The event concluded the two-day Washington Conference with more than 80 IDFA members who came to town to lobby and attend briefings on dairy policy and industry issues.

IDFA also served ice cream to senators in the office of the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the Capitol Building, which is a tradition that Senate leaders have invited IDFA to continue for many years.

"The ice cream party is IDFA's way of encouraging bipartisan cooperation - because everyone can agree that ice cream is a great summertime treat," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO.

Thank You, Sponsors!

"We also would like to thank the many sponsors who helped to make this week's Washington Conference and Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party such a success," Tipton added. "Without them, the high visibility of IDFA and the dairy industry on Capitol Hill would not be possible."

Visit IDFA's Facebook page to view photos from this event.