The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced the 40th edition of its Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will take place in Washington, D.C. on June 12. The event brings together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats. 

“IDFA’s Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party is our way of showing appreciation to the public servants, members of Congress and all the individuals working in Congress and within our federal agencies,” said Michael Dykes, IDFA president and CEO. “Ice cream is as bipartisan as you can get. And the ice cream party is an opportunity for us to all come together, share a few laughs, and enjoy America’s most popular frozen treat — ice cream!”

The 40th Annual IDFA Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will take place at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The park is located west of the Capitol in the area encompassing the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the Grant Memorial. 

 IDFA Ice Cream Stats: 

 

  • IDFA will release a special edition of its national ice cream trends survey on May 22, including for the first-time insights from Capitol Hill staff and legislators.
  • The average American eats roughly 20 pounds of ice cream each year, or about 4 gallons. 
  • Fortune Business Insights estimates the global ice cream market will reach $97.85 billion in 2027, up from $71.52 billion in 2021—a 37% jump in less than a decade due to the world’s craving for ice cream.
  • U.S. ice cream makers contribute $11.4 billion to the U.S. economy and support 27,100 dairy industry jobs, according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers economic impact report.
  • The majority of U.S. ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturers have been in business for more than 50 years, and many are still family-owned businesses.
  • National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 21. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities." 
  • Thomas Jefferson is credited as the first American to write down an ice cream recipe.