Kona Ice In Manchester Keeps Tax Day Free Treat Tradition Alive

MANCHESTER, CT — Monday was Tax Day in Manchester and that meant another tradition aside from accountants finally being to relax — free treats from Kona Ice.

"We've done this for six years now, ever since we bought our first truck," said franchise owner Mel Burkey, who, in addition to having the Manchester truck owns two more in north central Connecticut with his wife, Brenda. "It's fun every year."

Free flavored ice on April 15 is a companywide tradition for all Kona franchise trucks. The idea is to give people relief and a chance to unwind on Tax Day.

The Kona truck was at both Highland Park Market and 59 Tolland Turnpike Monday.

Four-year-old Maisy Lapinski, of Coventry, didn't quite care about taxes. She was more concerned about mixing every flavor together. Her bright red tongue was a testament to her diverse tastes.

Maisy's mom, Meagan, said she used an accountant, so there was no tax stress in the family home. That's not to say she didn't appreciate the gesture b y Kona.

"My sister told me about it and we were driving into Manchester, so I figured we'd stop," Meagan said.

Naomi Mateo and Jenny Martinez of Manchester also had their taxes done, but were driving by and decided to give Kona a try.

They opted for Mango and a mix that began with raspberry, respectively.

It was a steady stream of customers all day.