The 46th annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social was a big success, said Hoard Historical Museum Director Merrilee Lee.
The event started Saturday at 1 p.m. and by 2:15, she said, some 166 ice-cream-lovers, both young and old, had stopped by for a free ice cream sandwich.
Organizers were hoping to serve 200, she said.
Lee and a group of museum staff members and volunteers were on hand until 3 p.m. to distribute free ice cream, pinwheels and family-fun packets curbside along the south side of Fourth Street.
The treats and fun packets were part of the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine’s Fourth of July celebration, Lee said. While the event is in its 46th year, this is the second year — as a COVID-19 precaution — the event was offered curbside. Next year, the museum plans to return to a more traditional in-person activity, she said.
The event attracted visitors who arrived by car, bicycle and on foot.
Dressed as “Uncle Sam,” museum volunteer Aaron Martin waved at participants and handed out goodies.
Ice cream sandwiches made available at the event came courtesy of event sponsor PremierBank.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine was open Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All of the day’s offerings were free and open to the public.
Following are photographs from the day’s event.
Members of the The Kirchhoff family, from Beloit, arrive at the ice cream tent on South Fourth Street East to receive treats and a pinwheel handed out by Hoard Historical Museum volunteers.
Dressed as “Uncle Sam,” longtime Museum volunteer Aaron Martin greets visitors to the Hoard Museum and National Dairy Shrine’s 46th annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social.
A member of the Kirchhoff family, this young man and his eight siblings, along with his parents and a neighborhood friend, arrive at the ice cream social. The family also visited the museum for the very first time.
Members of the Ager-Hart family, who are Longtime museum volunteers, help man the ice cream tent.
Young event-goers wait for their ice cream.
A dad helps distribute ice cream bars to his family.
Members of the the Kirchhoff family, Beloit, pose for a photograph before continuing with their day of adventures in Fort Atkinson. The group includes a child who is a family friend. The day included a visit to the Hoard Historical Museum, a stop for ice cream and fun packets, and a trip to the community pool.
Two photos above: arriving by car, community members enjoy pinwheels and treats.
Museum volunteer, Brett, helps direct traffic during the 46th annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social.
Having arrived by bicycle, Fort Atkinson residents Frankie Fuller and her husband, Kent Wahlberg, find a spot in the shade to enjoy the afternoon.
“Uncle Sam” offers pinwheels to children as they approach the ice cream tent.
Children explore their fun packet while waiting in line for ice cream.
Forming one large group, the To, Hagedorn and Schwalbach families arrive at the ice cream social where the children are treated to ice cream and fun packets.
Fort Atkinson City Manager Rebecca Houseman LeMire and her family, including husband, Jim, and the couple’s three children, Gabe, from left, Sloane and Quinn, stop for ice cream before continuing to the community pool. The family was able to walk, Rebecca said, because they have just moved into a new home in Fort Atkinson. Last Saturday was spent unpacking boxes, Rebecca and Jim said. This Saturday was spent enjoying the community.
Hoard Historical Museum Director Merrilee Lee, at left, and Aaron Martin, dressed as Uncle Sam, invite visitors to check out the museum, including the National Dairy Shrine. To learn more about exhibits and hours, visit the museum’s website: https://hoardmuseum.org.
Photos by Kim McDarison.
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