In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day (July 19 this year). 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.”

Ice Cream Photo Contest

IDFA’s celebration began yesterday with the annual ice cream photo contest on Instagram. People following IDFA on Instagram (@dairyidfa) are invited to share photos that show how they are celebrating National Ice Cream Month. Entries should include the hashtag #IceCreamMonth. Each Friday in July, the person with the photo that receives the most “likes” will receive free ice cream. 

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 posting on the IDFA Facebook page or tweeting @dairyidfa using the hashtag #IceCreamMonth. IDFA will also be posting news releases and announcements from member companies on the IDFA website.

Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party

IDFA began its summer celebration of ice cream in June at the 33rd Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party in Upper Senate Park. More than 2,000 gallons of ice cream and frozen yogurt were available in more than 50 flavors, along with root beer floats, another summertime favorite.

IDFA extends a special thanks to two longtime contributors: Hershey Creamery Company provided the ice cream coolers and Jack & Jill Ice Cream Company provided the trucks and ice cream storage that made the party a huge success. Without their support, IDFA wouldn’t be able to put on such a “cool” event.

IDFA thanks all the Ice Cream Party Sponsors for their generous donations.

  • American Beverage Association
  • Dean Foods Company
  • Dreyer’s, Nestlé USA
  • Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC
  • Galliker Dairy Company
  • Hershey Creamery Company
  • HP Hood LLC
  • Hiland Dairy Foods Company, LLC
  • Hunter Farms
  • Jack & Jill Ice Cream Company
  • Kwik Trip, Inc.
  • Perry’s Ice Cream Company
  • Pierre's Ice Cream Company
  • Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.
  • Schoep’s Ice Cream Co., Inc.
  • The Dannon Company, Inc.
  • The Ice Cream Club, Inc.
  • The J.M. Smucker Company
  • Unilever
  • Wells Enterprises, Inc.

For more information about celebrating National Ice Cream Month, contact Peggy Armstrong, IDFA vice president of communications, at parmstrong@idfa.org or at (202) 220-3508.