Ohio’s Sweetest Small-town Tradition Marks a Golden Anniversary
March 30, 2026

Utica, Ohio – The Utica Ice Cream Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary May 23 – 25, 2026, marking five decades of community pride, family memories, and summertime sweetness in downtown Utica.

What began as a local celebration has grown into one of Ohio’s most beloved small-town festivals, drawing thousands of visitors each year for three days of live entertainment, local vendors, classic cars, children’s activities, and of course, plenty of Velvet Ice Cream.

“Fifty years of the Utica Ice Cream Festival is a powerful reminder of what a community can build when people show up for each other year after year,” said Luconda Dager, President of Velvet Ice Cream. “The festival is about tradition, connection, and the pride people feel when they call Utica home.”

The 2026 golden anniversary celebration will feature expanded entertainment, special commemorative elements honoring the festival’s history, and tributes to the volunteers and community leaders who have helped shape the event over the past five decades.

“For many families, the festival is a summer tradition you plan around,” said Joanne Dager, Vice President of Velvet Ice Cream. “A 50th anniversary deserves something special, and we cannot wait to celebrate this milestone with the entire community.”

Additional details, entertainment announcements, and anniversary highlights will be released in the coming months. The Utica Ice Cream Festival runs from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday at 11324 Mt. Vernon Road.

For updates, visit www.uticaicecreamfestival.com.

Founded in 1914, Velvet Ice Cream is a fourth-generation, family-owned business nestled in Utica, Ohio, dedicated to crafting premium ice cream with rich flavor and signature velvety texture. Velvet’s commitment to quality, community, and creative flavor experiences has made it a cherished name across central Ohio and throughout the region. For more information about the company, visit www.velveticecream.com