IDFA’s 41st ice cream party draws thousands to capitol hill

Thousands of ice cream enthusiasts — including members of Congress, federal officials, and Capitol Hill staff — came together last week at the International Dairy Foods Association’s 41st Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party. Held at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill, the popular summertime celebration provided attendees with America’s favorite and newest ice cream flavors, floats, and novelties.

Over the course of the two-hour celebration, guests enjoyed:

• 3,900 cups of ice cream
• 1,100 root beer floats
• 350 slices of ice cream cake
• 660 ice cream sandwiches
• 180 additional ice cream novelties

“This event has become an annual tradition that unites people from across the political spectrum over America’s favorite frozen treats,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA. “We’re delighted to provide this fun and refreshing experience, celebrating the dairy industry’s contributions and thanking our nation’s policymakers and their staff for their dedication and hard work.”

Now in its 41st year, the IDFA Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party remains one of Washington’s most cherished bipartisan events, where members from all political backgrounds share smiles, conversations, and ice cream favorites.

The event provides an opportunity for federal workers to learn more about the jobs, wages, and economic contributions of the dairy industry to communities across the United States. The ice cream industry has a $11.6 billion impact on the U.S. economy, supports 26,704 direct jobs, and generates $1.9 billion in direct wages, according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers.