Recently, the folks living near the Doerr family received a pleasant summertime surprise. They were treated to a neighborhood ice cream social, which the family won in June after entering the Dreyer's Neighborhood Salute contest.
Lorna Doerr says that her family enjoys a Popsicle treat almost every night and they noticed that all the Popsicle sticks said, "You're a winner! Visit www.icecream.com."
Out of curiosity they logged on to the site, which led them to the contest news and information. She asked her 5-year-old son Calvin if he'd like to enter the contest and he said, "Yes!"
So Lorna and Calvin composed an essay about why they felt their neighborhood deserved this special party. They noted the vast age differences throughout their neighborhood, from toddlers to great-grandparents, and also the fact that people rarely venture out in their front yards anymore. Their essay was submitted by e-mail in May and a letter received in June informed them they had won.
This is the third year in a row that Dreyer's has sponsored the contest and 4,500 neighborhoods have enjoyed the opportunity to come together and share in the fun. Each year 1,500 winners are chosen based upon the content, originality and enthusiasm of their essays.
For each party, Dreyer's provides everything you could possibly need. In addition to the various flavors of Dreyer's Slow Churned Light ice cream, specially delivered by FedEx on dry ice, which was very exciting, according to Lorna, the prize package includes a "party in a box," complete with invitations, ice cream scoops, napkins, spoons, name tags, a sign for the front yard, and even a disposable camera.
Calvin, his 2-year-old sister Addy, and his dad, Scott, delivered invitations to houses nearby and the party was held the evening of July 31. The warm weather was perfect. Lots of folks showed up to enjoy the festivities, visit with familiar faces and perhaps make a few new friends. Lorna estimates that there were about 60 people there, ranging in ages from one to 80 years.
Attendees savored different flavors that included Take the Cake, Hollywood Cheesecake, Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, and a few varieties of sherbet and sugar-free selections. Neighbors brought along toppings like hot fudge, nuts and whipped cream and it became a sundae festival.
The contest runs each year beginning in March. Official rules can be found at neighborhoodsalute.dreyers.com. The site also features past winners and a helpful party planning link that provides ideas on how to make your party fun, memorable and easy. Start thinking about your essay now and you might just earn a neighborhood salute of your own.
-- Amy Roby can be reached by e-mail at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com.
