This week on WCLK's The Local Take I speak with Kevin James, founder about the upcoming 9th Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. The event is taking place on Saturday, July 27th at Piedmont Park from 11am - 6pm.
Mr. James shares that he studied and volunteered at festivals. He also participated as a food vendor at various festivals before writing up a five-year business plan to produce the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. He launched his plan in 2010 with 12 vendors and approximately 1,000 participants.
The event has grown and is considered the largest Ice Cream Festival in the USA with 25,000 participants.
I asked James about the Ice Cream! He explains that of the 100 vendors participating this year 60% are serving ice cream. There are 4 vegan ice cream vendors and various "ice" vendors serving slushies or snow cones. All types of ice cream for any diet including local craft ice cream vendor Queen of Creamand national brands Brusters and Ben & Jerry'swill be on hand to satisfy your cravings.
The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority sponsors the AICF "Health Zone" that will provide participants with complimentary health screenings for diabetes, hypertension and more. The first 500 people to receive health screenings will receive a coupon for free ice cream.
There is also an annual ice cream eating contest for both kids and adults. James says to come early and spend the day at this family friendly event with entertainment and information. We also learn that the 2020 10th Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival will take place over multiple days as they continue to grow and engage with our community.
For more information on the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
For more information on the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority
