The winners of a statewide contest were recently treated to an ice cream party.
A flavor submitted by the Friendly Valley 4-H Club, of Manawa, was chosen as the state winner in the annual contest sponsored by Cedar Crest Ice Cream and the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation.
Although their winning entry, Big Muddy, will not be available until June, the 4-H club members were treated to other flavors of ice cream from Cedar Crest.
“The club members really appreciated having the opportunity to get free ice cream,” said Andrew Elmhorst, club president.
“We love ice cream,” said club member Elizabeth Ferg.
The winning ice cream flavor was developed by club member Nat Emmert. He named it after a Pete Seeger song, “The Big Muddy.”
When the club decided to participate in the annual contest, the members experimented by mixing ice cream flavors and using different toppings. About six entries were submitted.
“We had a great time participating in the contest,” said Nat’s mother, Angela Emmert.
For several months, the club members knew they had a top-five entry. Only recently did they hear that Friendly Valley 4-H had the top entry.
“It is a great honor to be picked out of the whole state of Wisconsin,” said Virginia Zemple, the club’s general leader.
The club plans to debut Big Muddy by serving samples on June 19 in Manawa.
“I just want to eat it because I haven’t tasted it yet,” said Ted Emmert.
Pat Ritchie brought the ice cream to the club’s April meeting and presented a $300 check from the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation and Cedar Crest to club president Andrew Elmhorst.
This is the third year of the contest sponsored through a partnership between Cedar Crest Ice Cream and the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation.
Family-owned and operated since 1976, Cedar Crest manufacturers over 80 flavors of ice cream at its Manitowoc facility.