Let me just start off by saying I am still pinching myself over this one. I received an email in early June with this in the subject line:
Ben & Jerry's Invites you to Scoop Moovement at NXNE"
I honestly thought it was a joke. One of my fellow bloggers pulling my leg. A family member being funny. An old boyfriend pulling a fast one as some kind of revenge or something. So first I passed out, then I returned the email. I am so glad I did. Let me just say when Ben & Jerry's invites you somewhere you go. Well, except I didn't. I could not make the NXNE, we had previous commitments. I was so bummed. I contacted the media rep from OgilvyOne. She was nice enough to call me so we could discuss things. Her name is Sheryl and she is just the nicest lady you could be lucky enough to meet. We talked about options and she told me they would also be at Bayfest the following month, which is in Sarnia. That's where my hubs is working. We agreed it was a better fit and made plans to connect beforehand. During the next month Sheryl kept in touch and impressed me so much. This was no joke, I was going to Bayfest to meet up with Ben & Jerry's to tour their truck. I'm not going to lie, this was the highlight of my summer. You know Lunie loves some ice cream. So this event was the perfect fit for me.
We made our plans and headed on the road last Thursday. Sarnia is about 2 hours from us. So it was a road trip for me and mini-me. We enjoy road trips and always have fun travelling together. We were super excited to meet the B & J crew, and they were kind enough to give us passes to see all the shows at Bayfest. So this would be our first concert together. Excitement on so many levels. As many of you know my brother was visiting last week so we had to ditch him for a day. He was kind enough to understand. I adore my brother, he's super supportive of my dreams and he knew how exciting this was for me. So he was beyond understanding we'd be gone all day. So thank you to my older brother, dude you rock!
When we arrived we met two reps at the gate. Heather and Laura, and let me just say they were so sweet and welcoming. We could not have asked for better tour guides for the day. When we got to the truck I was blown away by how cool it was. This truck rocked my socks. Then the B & J crew rocked them even more. The whole gang piled out of the truck to say hi and take photos. I think they must be the happiest employees on the face of the planet. Every single one of them was friendly and took the time to meet us. We took a gazillion photos, and had some fun with them. Such a great group that works there.
Then came the moment I'd been waiting for. "Would you like to tour the inside of the scoop truck?" Um, yes please. I would not only like to, but I would LOVE to. We got to a first hand look at what goes on behind the scenes. It's impressive to say the least. It's a well oiled machine back there. A place for everything and everything in its place. We got to read the trivia signs they have inside and see where they keep all the goodies. They taught us how to scoop like pros. It's all in the shoulders people. One long motion. I tend to be a rocker myself so it was cool to learn a new technique. I was stoked to see they use the same ice cream scoop as I do. I'm slightly bummed I didn't think to ask if I could keep my apron cuz its wicked cool. The whole experience was wicked cool. I had a blast, mini-me had a blast and the Ben & Jerry's crew was a riot to get to know.
I went for the Chocolate Fudge Brownie, it's my personal fave! Then I tried out the Chunky Monkey as I've never had it. It was incredible, so full of flavour. I'll be buying that one soon. Mini-me had the cookie dough. She loved it. I would have tried them all but I was trying to make a good impression. Can't be shovelling ice cream by the bucketful when you're trying to look professional. So we made sure to stop back later on after the concert to grab more. That way we didn't look like complete piggies. It was hard but I behaved myself. Well, for the most part.
So I bet you are dying to see some photos right? Right? Okay folks here you are. Enjoy. Remember this is the old camera. Shnazzy new cameras are not allowed at concerts that follow Ben & Jerry's tours. Trust me, the folks behind us at the concert got nailed for it. I was a good girl and brought one that did not have removable lenses as per the Bayfest website recommendations. See, I was totally well-behaved.
The Ben and Jerry's Scoop Truck!
I can totally attest to the fact that there is big chunks & swirls!
Back of the truck, I love this shot. This is one cool truck!
They have hats, totally cute!
Mini-me learning the ropes from Heather!
Mini-me scooping her heart out!
Mini-me perfecting it as Heather looks on!
Mini-me and Heather laughing as I dare her to just lick it like a cone!
And she takes the dare and makes us all giggle!
Yes I scooped too! My fave flavour of course!
Honestly the nicest person you could meet! Hams it up for the camera! Love it!
I think the whole crew likes to ham it up for the camera! Mini-me posing with them all!
Me wearing my Ben & Jerry's shades posing with the crew!
Mini-me and myself posing with their mascot!
This shot makes me laugh. Before the crowds arrive the cow is getting ready to draw people to the truck! Too cute!
Seriously, do it. Join the Herd. #scoopmoovement
See how much fun we had. This was such an amazing adventure. I loved every minute of it. Thank you so much to Sheryl for contacting me. It's been a pleasure working with you. Also a huge thanks to Heather and Laura for making us feel so welcome, as well as the rest of the crew. You made this a very special evening for me and my daughter. That means the world to me.
Make sure you stop by the Ben & Jerry's Canada facebook page. Stop in and tell them a Lunatic sent you. They will be doing two other events. One is Big Valley Jamboree: August 2 - 5 and the other is Crankworx Whistler: August 16 - 19. If you're in either area you should stop by and join the fun. You can also follow them on Twitter and follow #scoopMOOvement there.
Ben & Jerry's graciously provided us tickets to the concerts so make sure you check back on Thursday to see the photos of that. I want to share them separately. For me ice cream trumps music so I wanted to keep this post all about my one true love. Ben & Jerry's I totally love you and you rocked my world. Thank you!
Toodles and smoochies! xx
The Mom Chef
WOW! How cool is that! It makes total sense that out of everyone on the planet they'd contact you for the tour of the truck. You are the ice cream queen. Congrats!
Kim Bee
Awe thanks Christiane. I had so much fun. They are an amazing company. I am thrilled to have been involved in this.
Becca from It's Yummilicious
What an awesomely adorable post, Kim! Great times for sure!
Kim Bee
Thanks Becca. I had a blast and felt honoured to be invited.
Baker Street
Oh wow! That is so cool! Am sure you had a fantastic time there. 🙂
Kim Bee
I had the time of my life. I know it sounds cliche and sort of like a song. Lol.
Joan Hayes@chocolate and more
Kim that is so cool, I'm jealous on too many levels right now! Ben & Jerry's, ice cream, more ice cream, ice cream again, did I mention the ice cream? I probably would have skipped the concert and stayed in the truck! Or maybe hijacked the truck to my driveway. Ok, now I'm thinking about ice cream for breakfast, may have to go make some up then maybe it'll be ready by lunch!
Kim Bee
Thanks Joan. I felt pretty lucky to be up there hanging out with them. Had to keep pinching myself. They are such a cool company. Really enjoyed myself.
movita beaucoup
1. HOLY CROW!
2. Ice cream trucks are the best sort of truck.
3. HOLY CROW!
This was a very exciting post. I must rest now.
Kim Bee
Lol Movita. I agree. I think ice cream trucks should be the only kind of truck. They're that magical.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
I WANT TO GO TO THERE.
O_O
yum.
Kim Bee
You must. It's so much fun.
Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Kim, how wonderful for you and mimi-me! Now that they met you, how about a "lunatic" flavor? How great would that be!
Kim Bee
I would LOVE a lunatic flavour. They were so nice. I really had way too much fun.
Family Foodie
What a fun event! So glad you shared it with us!
Kim Bee
Thanks Isabel. It was such an honour to meet them. I had so much fun.
Steve
Nice post....My little one... 8 yrs old does what we call the "Ice Cream' dance whenever the hint of Ice Cream comes up...she would of loved this event !
Kim Bee
Thanks Steve. She would have had a ball. It was so much fun. We went back for seconds it's so good.
Kristen
I cannot imagine anyone better to tour an ice cream truck. I am sure with your great imagination, we will be seeing some great new ice creams here, too! What a fabulous experience for you. I am thrilled that you got to do it!!
Kim Bee
Awe thanks Kristen. I really had so much fun. I was just trying to let my inner dork or shy girl come out. Mini-me said I did okay. So that's high praise.
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina
Wheeeee! You got to tour an ice cream truck!!! And not just ANY ice cream truck, the ONLY one that matters!
Kim Bee
I did and I swear I was almost jumping up and down screaming that the whole time. It was such a cool experience. And no kidding right, nothing like hanging with the big dogs of ice cream. I had to keep pinching myself all day. And a few other people. I mean it was a concert with cute boys and all.
kitchenriffs
What a wonderful time! So impressed you got to do this. But you have to share - exactly which ice cream scoop do you have? (You've probably discussed this before and I somehow missed it.) Really fun post - thank you!
Kim Bee
It was so fun. I'm still pinching myself. It was a little surreal to me. It's the Zeroll. I got it as a thank you gift for helping with a cookbook launch. I'll post a pic of it this Sunday so you can see it. I keep reminding the fam not to put it in the dishwasher cuz it'll ruin it. It works like a dream. I might get a smaller one too.
Colleen, The Smart Cookie Cook
Word cannot express how jealous I am! That would legit be my dream come true. I am obsessed with Ben & Jerry's. They make some of the best ice cream, and in such mind-blowing flavors! It looks like you had a ton of fun. How could you not?
Kim Bee
It was mine too. I love their Chocolate Fudge Brownie. More than life itself. The trip was amazing. Had such a great time.
Ramona
Lucky YOU!!! It looks like an awesome time!!
Kim Bee
It was. And I am!!!
Chris
Really nice event I would say! Thanks for sharing!
Kim Bee
Thanks. I really had a ton of fun.
Kelsey @ K&K Test Kitchen
So much fun!! Sounds like you gals had a fabulous time. B&J is seriously my favorite. It doesn't surprise me in the least that everyone you met was so nice and friendly - how could you not be if you're surrounded by tasty ice cream all day!?!
Kim Bee
It was so much fun. We had a blast. It's my fave too. I always grumble at the price here cuz the only store that sells it in town is expensive. But it's so worth it. I mark MOM across the top of it so they all know to back off. They are just the happiest bunch of people in the world. No doubt working for a dream company that makes ice cream helps the mood factor. I mean I'd give my right arm to work for an ice cream company. Lol.
mellissa @ ibreatheimhungry
So jealous! Sounds like you guys had a blast!!!!
Kim Bee
We had so much fun Mellissa. It was just a blast. And your book it out. I am so excited for you. Can I shout it from the rooftops for you???
Emily @ Life on Food
Oh what fun! It is great that you were able to reschedule to another time.
Kim Bee
I was so lucky. I would have loved to do Toronto too but was so busy that weekend. Wish I could do their other provinces as well. They are such a pleasure to work with.
Terra
Oh what a great experience! I love that Ben and Jerry's is not far from me, I need to go for sure sometime:-) Hugs, Terra
Kim Bee
You should go. It was such a riot touring the truck and meeting everyone. They really are so incredibly friendly.
Choc Chip Uru
Ben & Jerry's NEEDS to set up in Australia 😀
What an awesome time!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kim Bee
They do. They should. You should write them.
Had a freaking blast!