In the heart of summer, Snoqualmie locals and visitors alike look forward to one of the sweetest celebrations of the year—National Ice Cream Day! Happening this year on Sunday, July 20, 2025, this beloved day is more than a perfect excuse to cool off with a cone—it’s a nationwide tradition with deep roots and local flavor. And here in Snoqualmie, we’ve got plenty of ways to scoop up the fun.
But did you know this delicious day is part of a larger tribute? National Ice Cream Month spans all of July, giving fans a full 31 days to indulge, support local businesses, and savor frozen creativity.
How It All Started: A Presidential Scoop
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially declared July as National Ice Cream Month and named the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. His goal? Encourage Americans to celebrate with “appropriate ceremonies and activities”—in other words, have a blast enjoying your favorite treat.
This year, Snoqualmie joins the nation in marking the 40th anniversary of that proclamation, and with so many artisan scoop shops and family-friendly events, there’s no better place to join the celebration.
More Than a Treat: Ice Cream’s National Economic Impact
Ice cream isn’t just a summertime staple—it’s a powerhouse industry in the U.S.:
-
Generates over $13 billion in economic impact annually
-
Supports nearly 29,000 jobs
-
Creates $1.8 billion in direct wages
-
Fuels the production of over 1.3 billion gallons of ice cream yearly
With the average American enjoying 4 gallons per year, this sweet obsession connects dairy farms, local shops, and community events nationwide, including right here in the Snoqualmie Valley.
How Snoqualmie Celebrates National Ice Cream Day
Snoqualmie residents know how to celebrate with style—and flavor. Here are some fun ways to get in on the action:
-
Stop by your local scoop shop: Whether you’re a fan of Snoqualmie Ice Cream or another local gem, July is prime time to support local creameries.
-
Host an ice cream social: Set up a build-your-own sundae bar for family, friends, or neighbors.
-
Get creative with flavors: Try blind taste tests with unique flavors—think lavender honey, black sesame, or local berry blends.
-
DIY frozen fun: Pick up a home ice cream kit and experiment with custom creations.
-
Explore dairy-free alternatives: There are more sorbets, gelatos, and non-dairy options than ever—perfect for every palate.
Whether you’re lakeside, at a backyard BBQ, or strolling downtown Snoqualmie, July 20 is the perfect day to make memories with a frozen twist.
Bucket-List Scoop Shops Across the U.S.
Looking to go beyond local flavors? These iconic ice cream destinations across the country are setting the bar high:
Caffè Panna – NYC
Fresh daily batches are made with ingredients from Italy and local farms.
Graeter’s – Cincinnati
French Pot Freezers have been producing just 2 gallons at a time since 1870.
Sloan’s – West Palm Beach
Whimsical small-batch flavors like Coffee & Doughnuts or Rum Raisin—dessert meets nostalgia.
While we love exploring new spots, nothing beats the hometown pride of supporting Snoqualmie’s own creameries, who put heart into every scoop.
Celebrate Snoqualmie-Style
Whether you’re a die-hard vanilla fan or a bold flavor explorer, National Ice Cream Day is your chance to indulge, connect, and support the businesses that make Snoqualmie such a sweet place to live. So grab a cone, snap a pic, and celebrate 40 years of this cool tradition with the rest of the country—right here in our beautiful valley.
