State Ice Cream Festival Returns to Ocean County This Weekend

Fifty gallons of ice cream is what it takes to be named the "Best Ice Cream in New Jersey." 

The ninth annual New Jersey State Ice Cream festival will be held Saturday, July 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Washington Street in  Downtown Toms River.

Winners are listed in a national or local category for Special Judges and People's Choice. Last year's first place national winner in both categories was Gifford's Ice Cream. 

Hoffman's Ice Cream in Point Pleasant and Spring Lake Heights was named Best Local Ice Cream in the Special Judges category, and Zita's Homemade Ice Cream in New Providence was named Best Local Ice Cream in the People's Choice category for 2010. 

This year's winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

With free admission and parking, visitors can enjoy a day filled with ice cream, inflatable rides, a balloon artist, stilt walker, a special appearance by the Trenton Devils mascot "Scorch" and the NJ State Dairy Princess along with music from radio stations Magic 100.1 and WRAT.

The event will also feature a full day of music including performances by The Kootz Band, Showplace Waitri, Kayla Calabrese, Oceanaires Barbershop Chorus.

There will be a children's ice cream eating contest at 12:15 and 2:15 and one for adults at 1:15 and 3:30.Contestants can sign up online to see if they have what it takes to be named the Best Ice Cream in New Jersey. 

Tasting kits are available online for $6 until the day before the event. Tickets can be purchased online or at Downtown Toms River office, Beachwood Bicycles, Mrs. Walker's of Beachwood, Simply Skin and Rand's Camera. 

The event is sponsored by Allen Consulting Inc., Capone's Trattoria, Comcast, Extra Space Storage, Magic 100.1, New Jersey Natural Gas, United Water and WRAT 95.9. 

For a full list of details for vendors and contestants, visit the Ice Cream Festival website.