National Ice Cream Day Is Here: Where To Score Freebies And Deals In RI

As far back as the Persian Empire and Tang Dynasty, frozen treats have offered cool relief on hot days. So it’s little wonder that the Quaker colonists brought recipes for frozen ice treats and ice cream with them, and opened the first ice cream shops in New York and other cities.

Fast-forward two and one-half centuries, and ice cream is widely regarded as America’s favorite summertime treat. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday of July. This year, that’s on July 20.

Several ice cream shops and companies are offering freebies and deals on Sunday, and some have month-long offers. Here’s a look at some of them (as always, call ahead to make sure your local store is participating):

Baskin-Robbins: The chain’s weeklong celebration of National Ice Cream Day starts Sunday and continues through July 26. Rewards members get $5 off orders of $20 or more placed through third-party delivery.

Braum’s: All single-dip ice cream and small frozen yogurt cones will be on sale for $1.30, and double-dip cones will be $1.89. Also, all three-pint ice cream and frozen yogurt cartons in Braum’s Fresh Market shops are on sale at a price of two for $7 now through Sunday.

Burger King: Rewards members can get a free Soft Serve ice cream with the purchase of $1 or more on Sunday.

Cold Stone Creamery: Now through July 31, the chain is offering a flavor twist on a fan-favorite treat: Birthday Cake Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Taco, now featuring the all-new Birthday Cake Oreo Cookie Ice Cream. On Sunday, the store will choose five winners of Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream ($450) for a year (entry details @ColdStone on Instagram).

Dairy Queen: Through Sunday, rewards members get a free Dilly Bar on orders of $1 or more.

Dippin’ Dots: Participating locations will give away free mini cups of any flavor of Dippin’ Dots ice cream during a two-hour window — giveaway hours vary by location. Also, the first 100 people in line get a free souvenir take-home cup. Check your store on the Dippin’ Dots locator.

Dunkin’: Rewards members get three times the points on Frozen Beverages on Sunday, as well as $3 medium Refreshers.