After two years away, the JC Arts Foundation’s Ice Cream Splash is making Jefferson City sweet again.
The sixth annual Ice Cream Splash will take place from 6-9 p.m. Friday downtown.
“We are happy and excited to reconstitute the event,” board chairperson Lucia Kincheloe said.
There will be live music, entertainment, kid-friendly activities, crafts and, of course, all-you-can-eat ice cream.
Attendees will get the chance to taste flavors from the different ice cream vendors and vote on which is their favorite.
Local vendors include Central Dairy, Ice Cream Factory, Freddie’s, Buck’s and Snow Cone Corner.
When it comes to activities, there will be something for everyone. Kids can get their faces painted at Capital Arts’ booth, make a yarn monster with Art 101 and enjoy the fire department’s splash area.
“The idea is physical activities and also crafts,” Kincheloe said.
There will also be characters kids can interact and take pictures with, a balloon artist and activity-oriented bouncy houses.
Fresh Rain — a premier cover band from St. Louis — will rock downtown with kid-friendly music.
“They’re going to tailor a lot of their music, which includes Disney, for the kids,” Kincheloe said.
Muse Theatre Company will also have performances twice an hour on stage.
In the past, attendance has varied because of weather, but there have been anywhere from 900-1,300 people at the event.
“I’m a big fan of live events families can go to together, so it’s just a really fun way to support our community but also have a good time together,” event coordinator Margaret Monson said.
Proceeds from the event will go to the JC Arts Foundation to promote diversity programs through art and help fund art installations in town.
“Just different ways to make a splash in Jeff City through art,” Monson said.
Tickets are $8 for ages 4 and up and can be purchased in advance online at icecreamplash.com or at Carrie’s Hallmark, Hy-Vee and Small Cakes. They can also be purchased for $10 at the gate.
“It’s a community event where everybody rallies around,” Kincheloe said. “I always feel grateful for the generosity of community when this event rolls out.”