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In 1984 Ronald Reagan Introduced Proclamation 5219: National Ice Cream Day (TODAY!)
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 17, 2011
Modified Jul 18, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 17, 2011
Modified Jul 18, 2011
Share
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Actress Deanna Durbin and Eddie Cantor enjoy ice cream sodas in NYC, circa 1938.
It's National Ice Cream Day! Ronald Regan declared it so in 1984, writing a proclamation that began: "Ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States." He also declared July to be National Ice Cream Month. So, let's enjoy that "nutritious and wholesome food," shall we? After all, he "call[ed] upon the people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities." Here is where we suggest you go to do your part as an American today:
- Steve's Ice Cream Shop has an interesting backstory, and is getting some great reviews after finally entering NYC.
- In Bed-Stuy, there's Tin City—which not only serves up Van Leeuwen scoops, but they'll also make you a shake, an egg cream, or an ice cream soda.
- In the mood for some green tea, red bean, ginger, black sesame, or lychee flavored ice cream? Head to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, open since 1978. (P.S. They even have Strawberry Shortcake ice cream—recommended!)
Here are five healthier frozen treats, and five more of our favorite spots (but maybe skip the gelato pop today, that's not very patriotic). And there's always the classics: Baskins Robbins has offered up this coupon, and Carvel is giving away some free ice cream today (find a store near you).
Tagged
fake food holiday
fake holiday
ronald reagan
national ice cream day
ice cream
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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