National Ice Cream Day is a beloved holiday celebrated by people of all ages across the United States. It’s a day to indulge in our favorite frozen treats, experiment with new flavors, and share the joy of ice cream with friends and family. But have you ever wondered who declared National Ice Cream Day? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of this sweet holiday and explore the president who made it all possible.
A Brief History of Ice Cream in America
Before we dive into the story of National Ice Cream Day, let’s take a brief look at the history of ice cream in America. Ice cream has been a popular treat in the United States since the 18th century, when it was first introduced by European colonizers. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that ice cream became a staple of American culture.
The Golden Age of Ice Cream
The late 19th and early 20th centuries are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of ice cream. During this time, ice cream parlors and soda fountains became popular gathering places for people of all ages. The invention of the ice cream cone in 1904 and the introduction of new flavors like chocolate and strawberry further increased the popularity of ice cream.
The Origins of National Ice Cream Day
So, who declared National Ice Cream Day? The answer lies in the presidency of Ronald Reagan. In 1984, President Reagan signed a proclamation declaring July 15th as National Ice Cream Day. However, this wasn’t a one-time event. President Reagan also declared the entire month of July as National Ice Cream Month.
A Presidential Proclamation
The proclamation, which was signed on July 9th, 1984, read in part: “Ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food that enjoys a place of honor in the diet of the American people… Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month, and Sunday, July 15, 1984, as National Ice Cream Day.”
Why Did President Reagan Declare National Ice Cream Day?
So, why did President Reagan declare National Ice Cream Day? The answer lies in the president’s love of ice cream. According to various sources, President Reagan was a big fan of ice cream and often enjoyed it as a treat in the White House.
A Sweet Tradition
Declaring National Ice Cream Day was also a way for President Reagan to promote a sense of community and celebration. In the proclamation, he encouraged Americans to observe the day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” This included hosting ice cream socials, visiting local ice cream shops, and simply enjoying a cold treat on a hot summer day.
How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day
Now that we know the story behind National Ice Cream Day, let’s talk about how to celebrate this sweet holiday. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Visit Your Local Ice Cream Shop
One of the best ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day is to visit your local ice cream shop. Many shops offer special deals and discounts on this day, so be sure to check their websites or social media accounts for more information.
Host an Ice Cream Social
Hosting an ice cream social is a great way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day with friends and family. You can set up a toppings bar with all your favorite ingredients, from sprinkles and whipped cream to hot fudge and caramel.
Try a New Flavor
National Ice Cream Day is the perfect excuse to try a new flavor of ice cream. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or adventurous matcha, there’s a flavor out there for everyone.
Fun Facts About Ice Cream
Before we wrap up this article, let’s take a look at some fun facts about ice cream. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The world’s largest ice cream sundae was over 5,000 gallons and was made in Wisconsin in 2018.
- The average American eats over 23 pounds of ice cream per year.
- The most popular ice cream flavor in the United States is vanilla, followed closely by chocolate and strawberry.
Conclusion
National Ice Cream Day is a beloved holiday that’s celebrated by people of all ages across the United States. From its origins in the presidency of Ronald Reagan to the many ways we celebrate it today, this holiday is all about indulging in our favorite frozen treats and sharing the joy of ice cream with friends and family. So next time you enjoy a cold cone on a hot summer day, remember the sweet story behind National Ice Cream Day and the president who made it all possible.
What is National Ice Cream Day and when is it celebrated?
National Ice Cream Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States to honor the sweet treat that brings joy to people of all ages. It is observed on the third Sunday of July every year. This day is an opportunity for ice cream lovers to indulge in their favorite flavors and for ice cream shops to offer special deals and discounts.
The celebration of National Ice Cream Day has become a popular tradition, with many ice cream shops and brands participating in the festivities. Some shops offer buy-one-get-one-free deals, while others provide discounts on specific flavors or toppings. Many people also celebrate by hosting ice cream parties or trying new and unique flavors.
Who declared National Ice Cream Day a holiday?
National Ice Cream Day was declared a holiday by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Reagan, who was a known ice cream lover, signed a proclamation designating July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. The proclamation was made in recognition of the ice cream industry’s contributions to the US economy and the joy that ice cream brings to people’s lives.
Reagan’s proclamation was the result of a joint resolution passed by Congress, which was sponsored by Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky. The resolution was supported by the International Dairy Foods Association and the National Ice Cream Association, which represented the interests of the ice cream industry.
What is the history behind National Ice Cream Day?
The history of National Ice Cream Day dates back to the early 20th century, when ice cream became a popular treat in the United States. The ice cream industry grew rapidly during the 1920s and 1930s, with the establishment of ice cream shops and the introduction of new flavors and products. In the 1950s and 1960s, ice cream became a staple of American culture, with the rise of drive-in restaurants and ice cream parlors.
The idea of declaring a national ice cream day was first proposed in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until 1984 that President Reagan signed the proclamation making it official. Since then, National Ice Cream Day has become an annual celebration, with ice cream shops and brands participating in the festivities and offering special deals and discounts.
How do people celebrate National Ice Cream Day?
People celebrate National Ice Cream Day in a variety of ways, from indulging in their favorite flavors to trying new and unique flavors. Many ice cream shops offer special deals and discounts on National Ice Cream Day, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals or discounts on specific flavors or toppings. Some shops also host ice cream-eating contests, ice cream-making demonstrations, and other fun activities.
In addition to visiting ice cream shops, people also celebrate National Ice Cream Day by hosting ice cream parties or making their own ice cream at home. Many people also share their ice cream experiences on social media, using hashtags such as #NationalIceCreamDay to connect with other ice cream lovers.
What are some unique ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day?
There are many unique ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, from trying new and exotic flavors to making your own ice cream at home. Some people celebrate by hosting ice cream-themed parties, complete with ice cream decorations, ice cream-themed games, and ice cream-making stations. Others celebrate by visiting ice cream shops that offer unique and unusual flavors, such as matcha or lavender.
Another way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day is by giving back to the community. Some ice cream shops partner with local charities or organizations, donating a portion of their sales on National Ice Cream Day to a good cause. This is a great way to indulge in your favorite treat while also making a positive impact on your community.
What are some popular ice cream flavors on National Ice Cream Day?
On National Ice Cream Day, some of the most popular ice cream flavors include classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. However, many people also use this day as an opportunity to try new and unique flavors, such as matcha, lavender, or rocky road. Some ice cream shops also offer limited-edition flavors on National Ice Cream Day, which can range from unique flavor combinations to special collaborations with other brands or companies.
In addition to traditional ice cream flavors, many shops also offer non-dairy and vegan options on National Ice Cream Day. These options can range from coconut milk-based ice cream to cashew-based ice cream, and are a great way for people with dietary restrictions to participate in the celebration.
How can I make the most of National Ice Cream Day?
To make the most of National Ice Cream Day, start by checking out your local ice cream shops to see what deals and discounts they are offering. Many shops will have special promotions and discounts on National Ice Cream Day, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best deals. You can also follow your favorite ice cream shops on social media to stay up-to-date on their National Ice Cream Day plans.
Another way to make the most of National Ice Cream Day is by trying new and unique flavors. This is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, whether it’s a unique flavor combination or a new brand or shop. You can also use National Ice Cream Day as an excuse to indulge in your favorite treat and enjoy the company of friends and family.