For the past 30 years, IDFA has kicked off its celebration of July as National Ice Cream Month by hosting the popular Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party in Washington, D.C., for about 5,000 ice cream fans. This year IDFA has planned a number of promotional activities for National Ice Cream Month, starting with a splash in the June issue of Dessert Professional magazine.

This trade publication, delivered bi-monthly to 32,000 dessert professionals, features IDFA's Ice Cream Technology Conference, including Executive Pastry Chef Bill Corbett's presentation on how dessert professionals gain inspiration and ideas for combining unique flavors, textures and colors for their dazzling desserts. It also highlights the winners and all contestants in the Innovative Ice Cream Flavor Contest, sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Foods magazine.

In addition, the June issue features Dessert Professional's Top Ten Frozen Dessert Retailers of America 2012, presented by IDFA. The magazine presents these awards to businesses that offer exceptional frozen desserts served in a unique, memorable environment, including walk-in shops, stands and even trucks. This year’s honorees include six ice cream shops, two gelato shops, one slushie truck and one shop that serves vanilla frozen custard in a variety of ways.

We're off and running. Be sure to read IDFA's News Update Headlines and visit www.idfa.org for new promotional ideas and activities as we get ready to enter National Ice Cream Month. Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook and tell us how you plan to celebrate National Ice Cream Month.

Members with questions or suggestions may contact Peggy Armstrong, IDFA vice president of communications, at parmstrong@idfa.org. Let the frozen fun begin!