By Cara Pattison
Contributing Writer
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream – at the First Annual Ice Cream Freeze-off held in conjunction with the 69th Annual Canadian County Free Fair.
An event for all ages, participants can milk their favorite homemade ice cream recipes for top bragging rights at 11:30 a.m. this Saturday, Aug. 26 by the Canadian County Expo Center stage, 3001 Jensen Road East in El Reno.
The sponsor for the event is Canadian County District 2 Fair Board Member Ken Carpenter.
“It’s good for families, the old and the young. Generations of family can compete with each other. The sky’s the limit on the bragging rights.”
Ken Carpenter, Canadian County Fair Board
“This will be a fun event for all ages,” Carpenter said. “It’s good for families, the old and the young. Generations of family can compete with each other. The sky’s the limit on the bragging rights.
“The best part is that it’ll be 100 degrees outside and 70 degrees in the Expo Center. I want everyone to come inside, cool off and enjoy the friendly competition.”
Entries will be accepted from 10-11 a.m. The ice cream must be brought on ice or in an ice cream maker.
The recipe must accompany the exhibit. Because no raw eggs are allowed, participants may only use cooked custard, pasteurized eggs, and pasteurized milk.
Three local celebrities will judge the following four categories: Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate with other ingredients, and any other flavor, Canadian County Family Consumer Sciences Educator Donna Jung said.
“Any flavor of ice cream may be brought, but judges will evaluate the ice cream itself for flavor and presentation,” she noted.
Bowls and spoons will be provided at the Canadian County Expo Center.
“Those in attendance may sample the ice cream after judging is over in the event the participant brings enough to share,” Jung added.
The champion will walk away with the Ice Cream Freeze-off trophy provided by Carpenter Auction and Real Estate.
In addition, prizes will be awarded for first through third places in each category.
Jung thinks the ice cream competition is a nice addition to this year’s fair.
“We have Canadian County residents that make award winning pies,” she said. “The Ice Cream Freeze-off is another contest to get people involved and participating in the fair.
“With the weather being so hot, it’s just fitting to do this. I’m excited to see the kinds of ice cream the flavors we get and I’m hoping it brings more people out.”
For more information, call the Canadian County Expo Center at (405) 422-5400.
