WATERVILLE, MAINE — June 9, 2015 — Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream announced today that in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its Waterville Ice Cream Stand, vice president of sales JC Gifford is challenging Maine comedian Bob Marley and George Mitchell Elementary School teacher Danielle French to a half-round of mini golf. The mini-golf champion will win their ice cream sundae of choice, prepared by the two “runners- up.”
The challenge will take place from 5-7 PM on Friday, June 19, at Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream Stand, located at 170 Silver Street in Waterville. Fans are invited to enjoy some humorous commentary from Bob Marley, be a spectator in a laugh-filled evening, and pick who they think will become the Mini-Golf Champion. Those who correctly name the champion will win a gift card for a free ice cream cone. (A rain date has been scheduled for July 7, at the same time.)
“We’re excited to have Bob Marley and Danielle French at our Waterville stand to help us celebrate 25 years of great business here,” said 34-year-old JC Gifford. “Bob is a legendary comedian and Danielle is a respected teacher. To be frank, I’m a little nervous. But what Bob and Danielle may not know is that I’m a seasoned mini-golfer, having spent my life working and playing at the Gifford’s Mini Golf courses in Skowhegan and Waterville.”
Marley, French, and Gifford are scheduled to “tee off” at the Gifford’s Ice Cream Stand in Waterville at 5:30 PM. While the Mini Golf Challenge is designed to be fun, it’s also a fundraiser for the Parent Teacher Organization of the Waterville Elementary Schools, including the George Mitchell Elementary School and the Albert Hall School. Gifford’s will donate a percentage of its proceeds that evening up to $1,000.
“This is such a wonderful event, said Jennifer Johnson, president of the Waterville Schools PTO. “What a great way to end the school year. Nothing says summer like ice cream and mini golf! Funds raised from this event will help us pay for playground equipment installation, school gardens, winter gear for students in need, Lego robotics clubs, and our spring carnival next year. We are delighted that Gifford’s is celebrating 25 years in Waterville by supporting the kids in Waterville public schools.”
This summer marks significant anniversaries at two Gifford’s stands. In 1980, Gifford’s opened its very first ice cream stand in its hometown of Skowhegan. A decade later, it opened the Waterville stand. This year, as Skowhegan celebrates its 35th year in business and as Waterville celebrates its 25th, the company will roll out a series of events, surprise promotions, and specials at all five of its ice cream stands across Maine. The Mini Golf Challenge in Waterville marks the first of these events.
Earlier this year when Gifford’s opened its five family-owned seasonal ice cream stands in Maine, it released a batch of new stand flavors including: Blueberry Pancake, Cherry Blossom, Cookie Dough Coffee Break, Double Chocolate Almond, Mississippi Mud Pie, Rocky Road, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, and Coffee Heathbar Crunch Frozen Yogurt. All of these flavors are now available for stand goers to enjoy.
“It has been a thrill to share these yummy new flavors with our devoted stand fans,” said JC Gifford. “In fact, many of the new flavors were actually suggested by customers.” In addition to its new flavors, Gifford’s introduced two new toppings this season – gummy bears and a salted caramel sauce.
Gifford noted that along with the new flavors, new toppings, special events, and promotions, the stands will continue their tradition of offering a weekly featured flavor and sundae at discounted prices. To stay up to date on all of the special promotions, follow Gifford’s on Facebook.
Each season, Gifford’s dishes up more than 1 million ice cream cones from its five stands, which offer more than 55 unique flavors. These popular stands are part of the fabric of small-town Maine, with families coming year after year to celebrate traditions, such as birthday parties, after-game festivities, and other special occasions. Gifford’s stands are open daily from March to October. Hours of operation and directions for each stand can be found here.
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