Hamden Ice Cream Parlor Wins National Award

HAMDEN, CT — Some of the best ice cream in the country can be found right here in Hamden. Kelly Ciccone, owner of Kelly’s Cone Connection at 2538 Whitney Ave. in Hamden, was recently awarded a first-place award from National Ice Cream Retailers Association (NICRA). The contest was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ciccone's chocolate won a blue ribbon (first place) among entries from all over the country. The award is a prestigious honor among national ice cream parlors.

“Kelly’s Cone Connection has been in business for over 33 years and can now add this award to its many accomplishments,” Kelly’s Cone Collection wrote in a press release. “Kelly is always busy perfecting and coming up with new flavors. Some of her most original flavors include: Raspberry Truffle, Strawberry Shortcake, Good Stuff, and Twinkie.

“NICRA holds annual conventions, at this convention Kelly learns the most innovated ways of making and selling ice cream. It is this organization that awarded Kelly her first-place ribbon. This year Dr. Tonya Schoenfuss of the University of Minnesota tested the ice cream. The ice cream is scored according to color, taste, texture, bacteria count, quality and many other factors. Blue ribbons are awarded to those scoring the highest marks.”