Ice cream social is end-of-summer treat for young and old

FORT SMITH — The weekend’s hot and steamy weather made it all the more appropriate for hundreds of who attended the Fort Smith Museum of History’s fifth annual ice cream social, held Sunday (Sept. 2). The event was scheduled from 2-4 p.m., but a line was already forming before opening and lasted past quitting time. Both the old and young alike came out to support the museum.

Patrons were treated to an all-you-can-eat ice cream sundae in the museum’s old-fashioned soda fountain. They were able to build their own sundaes from a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. For the price of $5 per person (children 6 and under ate for free), guests not only got an ice cream sundae but also a tour of the museum. All proceeds will be used for the museum’s general operating and maintenance fund.

Fort Smith Museum of History Executive Director Leisa Gramlich said “We have had a good show and I think more this year than last year.”

The old fashioned soda fountain was a great place to bring families and friends for a cool end-of-summer treat. The hot fudge was most popular among guests. Children liked the sprinkles and cherries added on top. Kai Logan, 4, said, “Eating the cherries was the best part of the sundae.”

Some guests drove from as far as Altus and Fayetteville to spend time with family and enjoy a sundae at the museum.

As a special treat, the Lawbreakers and Peacemakers presented a western shoot out at 3 p.m. at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum and then another shoot out at 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Smith Museum of History.