National Ice Cream Month

The Greatest 31 Consecutive Days of the Year

National Ice Cream month. A full 31 days that feel like they’re made for someone like me. A month revel in the greatness of ice cream and try new flavors of this delicious dairy dessert as they are revealed to the world. But why is there even a national ice cream month, and what does it mean for the consumers of it? Does it hold meaning for the lactose intolerants of the world? Does it mean more for those who scream for ice cream?

All these questions and more will be answered as I delve into my FAQ style approach for this curious season set upon us.

When is National Ice Cream Month?

July.

Phew. That was easy. Onto the next question!

When did National Ice Cream Month Start?

In 1984. To be more precise, it was signed into law on July 9th, 1984.

Wait, so National Ice Cream Month is a Law?!

Kind of. National Ice Cream Month was designated as Proclimation 5219 from president Ronald Reagan. It was a result of the joint resolution 298 which was submitted by Senator Walter Huddleston of Kentucky earlier that year. The joint resolutions was to name July as National Ice Cream Month, and July 15th (the third Sunday in July that year) as National Ice Cream Day. The actual text of the bill that was signed goes as follows:

Whereas ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food enjoyed by over 90 per centum of the people of the United States; whereas the ice cream industry with approximately $3,500,000,000 in annual sales provides jobs for thousands of citizens and uses nearly 10 per centum of the milk produced by United States dairy farmers, thereby contributing substantially to the economic well-being of the Nation’s dairy industry; and whereas ice cream enjoys a reputation as the perfect dessert and snack food, and over eight hundred and eighty-seven million  gallons of ice cream were consumed in the United States in 1983: Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That July 1984, is hereby proclaimed as “National Ice Cream Month”, and July 15, 1984, as “National Ice Cream Day”, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe ice cream month and ice cream day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

It was approved on July 2, and signed into public law on July 9th.

Wait, so why is it kind of a law?

Ah yes, how very observant. I say it’s kind of a law, because as far as I know, there are no repercussions for not following this law. Hell, I won’t even kick you out of my kingdom for not following it!

What does National Ice Cream Month mean for the average ice cream eater?

Celebrate at LEAST once this month by eating ice cream! I’ll also allow sorbets, gelatos, and frozen custards to count too. The important thing is to go above what your normal ice cream eating habits are, however slightly it is. July is possibly the hottest month of the year for any country North of the equator. So cooling off is critical to your SURVIVAL if you want to avoid heat stroke.

What does this mean for the excessive ice cream eater like myself?

It’s time to broaden my horizons and try new flavors. Preferably one new flavor each day. There are so many new, fun, and delcious flavors getting invented each and every day. And I’ve still only scratched the surface of what this majestic creation can offer.

National Ice Cream Month also means it’s time to challenge myself with things like a pint each day or something as wild as the ice cream cleanse. I’ve tried ice cream eating challenges in the past, and have failed those miserably. But, it doesn’t mean I can’t keep trying, right?

This national observance is a significant part of how my ice cream journey, knowledge, and kingship began. So I feel the need to honor this month more than most, but I always appreciate the company when I see others celebrating this month with the same vigor and intensity that I do.

Can lactose intolerant people and dieters celebrate this month?

As I noted above, yes! With dairy free ice creams, low calorie vegan options, and even sorbets, you can still participate and celebrate this month, just like everyone else.

The important thing is love. Remember to love this genre of dessert, and take notice of it during this month. Indulge, even if you’re trying to maintain that beach bod you’ve worked hard for. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it wasn’t destroyed in one either.

In conclusion?

Is signing into law National Ice Cream Month the single greatest thing Ronald Reagan did in his entire life?

Probably.

Can I think of a single other thing he’s done that has impacted my life in one way or another?

No. No I cannot.

 

 

 

Thought this piece was fun & interesting?

Then read another! I come out with weekly reviews of ice cream flavors and sometimes write about news happening in the world of ice cream. I hope you’ll follow along in my journey as the King of Ice Cream.