Ice Cream Social Going 'Green'

After suggestions by local citizens, the Washington County Historical Society will be going "greener" this year -- eliminating the use of Styrofoam-type or non-recyclable products at the annual ice cream social.

The Washington County Historical Society's Ice Cream Social fundraiser is set for 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Headquarters House grounds, 118 E. Dickson Street in Fayetteville.

Music, book signings and other entertainment will be on-going during the afternoon session of ice cream and homemade cakes on display for consumption, according to the 46-year-old summertime tradition of the Society.

The event will also be rolling back the calendar, asking citizens to bring their own bowls and silverware, a time-honored tradition of decades ago.

"We've had a lot of environmentally-friendly folks, asking us to eliminate these types of non-recyclable products and we certainly can do that," said Maylon Rice, First Vice President of the WCHS.

"We want to announce, both from a historical perspective and an environmental perspective, this year we are taking several steps to continue to make this annual social event both green and as realistic to a historical setting, as possible," Rice said.

The Society is asking first that ice cream social attendees bring a bowl of their own from home -- along with spoons for their ice cream consumption.

Rice said, "Back in the day of community dinners on the ground, picnics, and even at the yesteryear ice cream socials, there were few families hosting such events which had the resources to provide all the silverware and glassware for those attending."

He added, "It was not unusual for families to come to such community gatherings armed with their own bowls and spoons."

But on Aug. 19, those not wanting to bring their own bowls from home, there is still a green solution to be found.

Rice said the WCHS will be purchasing some environmentally friendly, bio-degradable bowls made from paper or other fiber sources. The city of Fayetteville's Recycling and Sustainability Office has agreed to add the recyclables from the Ice Cream Social to the city's composting process, Rice said.

"The City has been very helpful in this drive for WCHS to make this event as green as possible," Rice said.

Another change will be adding edible ice cones.

"We've had suggestions for ice cream cones for the younger kids, but heck, as a big kid, I too, like an ice cream in an edible cone," Rice said.

The admission to the Washington County Historical Society's Annual Ice Cream Social is $5 per person, or a family ticket of $15 for four or more members of the same family, Rice said.

For advance tickets or information contact the WCHS at 118 E. Dickson Street, Monday-Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 4 p.m. or see any member of the WCHS Board of Directors.