Gilchrist Foundation Supports Ice Cream Days
I scream, you scream, we all scream … for Ice Cream Days happening June 16 - 18, 2022 in Le Mars, Iowa. Ice Cream Days is a family-friendly, annual event that features vendors, activities and lots of ice cream. The Gilchrist Foundation is proud to be a continued supporter of this much-loved event. In 2021, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded a $2,900 micro grant to support musical entertainment and performing acts and has supported it again in 2022 by giving an award for the festival and its family activities.
What is Ice Cream Days?
Ice Cream Days is a three-day event that is supported by Wells Enterprises, Inc., the maker of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce and the Le Mars Convention and Visitors Bureau. There are multiple events and activities that focus on ice cream, families and children. The event is held in Le Mars, Iowa, roughly 30 miles from Sioux City, Iowa and 80 miles from Sioux Falls, S.D., the “Ice Cream Capital of the World.” Le Mars earned this distinction in 1994 after being recognized for more ice cream being made by one manufacturer in one location. Ice Cream Days features tons of events and activities not only surrounding ice cream but the arts and entertainment, which the Gilchrist Foundation supports because it aligns with our mission.
The Gilchrist Foundation and the Arts and Entertainment
The Gilchrist Foundation was established by Jocelyn Gilchrist to honor her family and their philanthropical interests. Jocelyn was interested in the arts from an early age. As a young woman, Jocelyn frequented The Chicago Symphony and the Chicago Art Institute and enjoyed the theater. She loved the arts, both live and on the radio, and made the arts one of the focuses of the Foundation’s interests.
2022 Ice Cream Days Events
In 2022, Ice Cream Days will feature several events specifically surrounding the arts and entertainment and family.
Wednesday, June 15:
7:30 - 9 p.m. Municipal Band Concert in Foster Park. This is a free concert from the Municipal Band. The Kiwanis and Aktion Club will be on site handing out free Blue Bunny treats.
Thursday, June 16:
1:30 p.m. The Browns “Oh, My Iowa!” Show. The Browns Century Music Theater presents, “Oh, My Iowa!” An original musical tribute to all things Iowa. The Browns bring to life the songs and stories of the heartland. You’ll hear highlights from hit Broadway musicals like, “The Music Man” and “State Fair”. Learn about the Iowa musical ties to such a great as Andy Williams, Antonin Dvořak, Glenn Miller Orchestra and Al Jarreau.
4 - 9 p.m. Alley Art Exploration. Tour the downtown alleys to view family-friendly artwork and historic murals. The public art project is coordinated by the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Main Street program. Artwork is installed on 42 buildings in 9 alleys. Brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and the Visitor’s Bureau. Additional information can be found on the Chamber's website.
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The Le Mars Arts Center Presents LOCAL WATERS. The event features local watermedia artists. All participating artists are native to Iowa and were selected by invitation only. The Public Opening Reception will be held at the Le Mars Arts Center.
6 - 7:30 p.m. Family Bike Ride. The bike ride starts at Olson Cultural Events Center and ends at Primebank in time for the Primebank Ice Cream Social.
8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Outdoor Movie. Enjoy a family-friendly movie from lawn chairs and blankets or drive-in at the Le Mars's original drive-in theater location.
Friday, June 17, 2022
1:30 p.m. The Browns “Oh, My Iowa” Show
2 - 9 p.m. Alley Art Exploration
2:30 - 4:15 p.m. Kid’s Fun Fest. Hosted by the Le Mars Public Library, this event features the juggling and comedy of Jason Kollum at 2:30pm and interactive bubble stations at 3:30pm. Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended.
4:30 - 9 p.m. Live Artists. Watch as the sidewalk comes to life with 3D art by Kathleen Roling behind Habitue Coffeehouse and Bakery.
4:30 - 7 p.m. Street Performers. Street performers from the Omaha Circus Arts will be on the Olson Cultural Events Center Grounds interacting with the crowd before the main event.
7:30 - 9 p.m. Omaha Circus Arts Ice Cream Days Show. Nationally recognized performers from Omaha, Neb., Omaha Circus Arts brings a custom, ice-cream-themed show to the Olson Cultural Events Center Stage that is sure to dazzle and entertain.
Saturday, June 18, 2022
10 a.m. - Noon Ice Cream Days Parade. The parade begins at 8th Street and Central Avenue at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1st Street NE and Central Avenue.
Noon - 7 p.m. Carnival. Adult and kid carnival rides at the Olson Cultural Events Center Lot.
Noon - 9 p.m. Alley Art Exploration
Noon - 2 p.m. The Le Mars Community Theatre Tours. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Le Mars Community Theater during this in-depth tour.
Noon - 5 p.m. Various Entertainment at the Olson Cultural Events Center Stage. Entertainment includes the Celtic dancers, local dancers from The Turn Around dance school, the Central Dance Academy, Absolute Science Magic Performance, Postal Playhouse Youth Theatre Workshop, the Browns closing show.
Find a full schedule here.
About the Gilchrist Foundation Grant Process
Each year, the Gilchrist Foundation awards millions in funds to deserving nonprofit organizations in and around Sioux City. But grants are only given out to pre-selected charities (the Gilchrist Foundation does not accept unsolicited invitations for funds). Nonprofits whose missions align with the Foundation - including the arts, wildlife and conservation, public broadcasting and disaster relief – can request an Invitation to Apply. The deadline for this year was April 1, 2022 but micro grant applications can be submitted at any time.
Learn more about the grant process here.