A beloved summer tradition returned to Capitol Hill as the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) hosted its 41st Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party on June 12, delighting thousands with free frozen treats on the National Mall.
Held at Union Square Park, just steps from the Capitol, the event welcomed members of Congress, federal officials, and Capitol Hill staff for an afternoon of camaraderie and cool desserts. Over 7,000 servings of ice cream, floats, and novelties were handed out during the two-hour celebration, including 3,900 cups of ice cream, 1,100 root beer floats, 660 ice cream sandwiches, and 350 slices of ice cream cake.
“This event has become an annual tradition that unites people from across the political spectrum over America’s favorite frozen treats,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA. “We’re delighted to provide this fun and refreshing experience, celebrating the dairy industry’s contributions and thanking our nation’s policymakers and their staff for their dedication and hard work.”
Beyond a celebration of summer, the event also highlighted the economic significance of the dairy industry. According to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers® data, the ice cream industry alone generates $11.6 billion in economic impact, supports over 26,000 direct jobs, and contributes $1.9 billion in wages.
Now in its 41st year, the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party stands as one of Washington’s most cherished bipartisan events, bringing people together through shared joy and scoops of the latest ice cream favorites. It also offers a platform to raise awareness about dairy’s role in the American economy and the vibrant future of ice cream franchise opportunities across the country.
Related topics
- Mango Ice Cream: History, Types, and Delicious Uses
- Korean Ice Cream Exports to Surpass $100M Amid Global Heatwave
- Rice University Staff Celebrate at Annual Ice Cream Social
