The Murray Ice Cream Festival is returning to the court square today and Saturday. The festival was originally created to advertise Purity Ice Cream and bring the community together. The festival is now approaching its third year.
The festival will be on the court square in Murray today from 4-10 p.m. and all day Saturday.
“The event will go on rain or shine,” Deana Wright, program director said. “There is no backup plan.”
The festival, as the name suggests, will offer free Purity Ice Cream on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, there will be a number of family-fun attractions each day.
“One of the things we’re really excited about this year is bungee jumping,” Wright said. “Last year it was really popular, but we only had it on Friday. This year we made sure that it was offered on both days for everyone to enjoy. Also, the Top Gun Car Show should bring out a lot of people and add another option for families to have fun together.”
The festival offers unlimited play wristbands for kids to be purchased on-site today for $10.
During this year’s festival, there will be many different ice creams from which to choose. The free Purity Ice Cream is available during the allotted time, where anyone may have a free sample of any of the Purity Ice Cream flavors that are present at the festival.
Citizens will also have a chance to be a part of a more unconventional ice cream tasting. This comes during the third annual Scooper Bowl. This event is meant for various charities to come together and make homemade ice cream for the community.
They will then present their masterpieces to the community to be voted upon. The charities will divide the $4,000 worth of prizes among them based upon the percentage of votes received. Anyone can become a taste tester and dedicated voter for $5. The cost is $1 for kids 10 and under.
Based upon last year’s success, the festival, sponsored by Bristol Broadcasting, organized by the Murray Main Street Program and featuring Purity Ice Cream, is anticipating an even greater turnout for the 2012 event. The event staff has been working to ensure there is a flavor and an event for everyone in the family to enjoy.
“I look forward to going to the Ice Cream Festival,” Jenna Salza, freshman from Franklin, Ky., said. “As a new freshman, I’m hoping it will help me get to know not only more about the local businesses, but also more about the people of Murray. Judging by the way everyone talks about it, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.”
Story by Shannon MacAllister, Contributing writer.