The holiday season may claim to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for me and many Bostonians, that distinction belongs to the first week in June.
Since 1983, the Jimmy Fund has sponsored the Scooper Bowl® to raise money for cancer research and care. For three days from noon to eight o’clock, the fundraiser dishes out unlimited ice cream to visitors who pay the entrance fee. The sweet scoops are donated from several local and national vendors, and flavors vary each year. You can always get your classics—vanilla, chocolate, strawberry—but it’s the perfect place to get adventurous with your taste buds. Also, there are often several lactose-free options and sherbert (Merriam-Webster says it’s passable to use this variant spelling, so I will) flavors.
I’ve attended the fundraiser several times and have certainly gotten my donation’s worth. Each year I’m in competition with last year’s self. How many scoops can I get through? The goal is to keep each mini cup you empty and stack them as you go along. Those who have managed to amass an impressive collection carry their cup towers around like a badge of honor. The reward is bragging rights for years to come—and one very full stomach.
This year, the festival takes place from June 5 to 7 in Boston’s City Hall Plaza. I’m most excited to try Caramel Pretzelmania and Cannoli Be With You. Bring on the scoops!
