July is “National Ice Cream Month” and American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI) is hosting a big event to not only celebrate, but also bring awareness to the important role that ice cream plays in Indiana agriculture.
“So much of the ice cream that we are consuming day-to-day in our households comes right here from the state of Indiana,” according to Brooke Williams, Director of Communications with American Dairy Association Indiana.
Indiana is ranked second in the U.S. in ice cream production, which is one reason why hundreds of ice cream sundaes are being served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 13.
“It’s our 34th annual Ice Cream Social on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis,” says Williams. “For many years, it has become a very beloved tradition for many Hoosiers and we’re excited to celebrate ice cream another year.”
American Dairy Association Indiana will be selling ice cream sundaes for $5 each to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
In addition, some “special guests” will be at the event to help spread the word about Indiana’s dairy industry.
“Purdue Dairy Club will bring a couple of calves this year. It’s not something people see everyday, especially being downtown in the middle of the city. The calves will help people learn more about the dairy industry in the state of Indiana,” says Williams.
Most of all, she says it’s about reminding fellow Hoosiers about Indiana’s dairy businesses and showing support for local dairy producers.
“We love telling that story that food is local and we’re seeing more and more ice cream processors pop up all around the state,” says Williams. “Whether it’s a mom-and-pop shop in your small town or if it’s a bigger production like Prairie Farms, which is helping us supply the ice cream for our Ice Cream Social, the fact that it’s being made with milk that comes from the state of Indiana means you’re supporting local family farms. We’re always proud to throw these events to share with the community why it’s so important to support your farmers.”
Across Indiana, there are nearly 700 dairy farms which help provide milk for much of ice cream and other dairy products produced throughout the U.S.
Click below for C.J. Miller’s radio news report for Hoosier Ag Today.
Click below to watch highlights from the American Dairy Association Indiana’s Ice Cream Social from 2022:
