Community Corner

VIDEO: Cooling Off At Annual Ice Cream Festival

Ten ice cream vendors see if they have what it takes to be named Best Ice Cream in New Jersey.

President Ronald Reagan dedicated July a time to celebrate ice cream and designated the third Sunday of the month as "National Ice Cream Day." In keeping with the late president's wishes, people flocked to Washington Street in Toms River Saturday to vote on the Best Ice Cream in New Jersey. 

The ninth Annual New Jersey State Ice Cream festival featured 80 vendors as well as rides, inflatable tents, local organizations, and arts and crafts for children including face painting and henna tattoos. 

All attendees voted on two categories: national and local vendors. There were 10 ice cream vendors, with their special flavors, and 12 judges gauging appearance, taste, texture, and color. 

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"Everyone wanted our ice cream and at one point, there were 40 to 50 people waiting in line," said Ray Malaspina, an employee at Hoffman's Ice Cream in Point Pleasant Beach. "We completely sold out of Coffee Oreo."

Jake Spaans of Deal, and Abraham and Joyce Abboudi of Oakhurst, said their favorites were a tie between Mint Chocolate Chip from ShopRite and the Blueberry flavor from Kemp's. 

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Winners were announced at 4:30 p.m. at center stage:

Special Judge's Panel (Vanilla)

National Flavor:

  • 3rd - Gifford's Ice Cream
  • 2nd - Welsh Farms Ice Cream
  • 1st - Kemp's Ice Cream

Local Flavor:

  • 3rd Place - Fajji's Homemade Ice Cream
  • 2nd Place - Zita's Homemade
  • 1st Place - Hoffman's 

People's Choice

National Flavor:

  • 3rd - Welsh Farms — Oreos and Cream
  • 2nd - Gifford's Ice Cream - Chocolate Lovers Chocolate
  • 1st - Maine Blueberry 

Local Flavor:

  • 3rd Place - Mrs. Walker's Beachwood for Oreo
  • 2nd Place - Hoffman's Ice Cream for Coffee Oreo
  • 1st Place - Cranford Vanilla Bean Creamery for Banana's Foster 


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