Independence Days and Ice Cream Socials

 

Happy Independence Day!

We had a special outdoor church service yesterday, followed by an Ice Cream Social. It was a lot of fun! I purchased Hudsonville Ice Cream (a Michigan favorite) in several yummy flavors, and set up a condiments section for folks to add their own toppings.

Chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, nuts, whip topping. 

My scooper volunteers! We had nearly 100 customers, so the help was greatly appreciated!

I decided to also offer strawberry shortcake. I made the shortcakes the night before using my favorite Amish recipe from Marcia Adams "Cooking in Quilt Country" cookbook. Shortcakes topped with a BIG scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with strawberries in their own syrup, and then topped with whip. It was a treat!

I made this sign using stamps and dies from Concord and 9th. 

I've been using these chalkboard signs a lot lately! I have some chalkboard paint that I use to cover over the surface, and then I have a chalkboard marker to "paint" on the words. These little easels were from Target's Dollar Spot last year, and I certainly got my money's worth out of them!

I like to offer casual fellowship events like this one to our congregation. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves, and what's not to love? Food, drinks, conversations with church family. It's all good!

We have low key plans for today...burgers on the grill, with fresh watermelon ( and yes, you were right, Nicole! So much cheaper when you buy the whole thing! LOL!), an early dog walk, and then straight home to give Jemma her yearly tranquilizer. Poor girl. Her LEAST favorite day of the year!

I hope your 4th of July weekend has been wonderful!

Blessings, café friends!