Sample ice cream or beer at Chattanooga Market

Friday, July 8, 2011

By the dog days of July, who doesn't scream for ice cream?

Fanciers of the creamy, cold treat can satisfy their desire at Sunday's Chattanooga Market by attending the annual Ice Cream Social at the First Tennessee Pavilion.

"It's hot, and it's a good cause," said market publicist Melissa Siragusa, "and you get so much ice cream for the money."

For $5, patrons will get two ice cream samples from each vendor present.

The Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter will be the beneficiary of money from the event for the seventh straight year, according to director of development Katie Harbison.

Since the agency has been involved, she said, it has cleared about $27,000 from the annual social. The money goes into the agency's general fund, where it supports early childhood education and child-care programs as well as residential care for children who have been removed from their homes and are in state custody.

IF YOU GO * What: Ice Cream Social at Chattanooga Market. * When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. * Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. * Admission: Free ($5 tickets for Ice Cream Social; $15 tickets for Best Beer Series). * Phone: 648-2496. * Website: www.chattanoogamarket.com.ON THE EPB STAGE* 12:30 p.m. Alexa Woodward* 2 p.m. Ed Snodderly

Among the vendors this year are Mayfield, Clumpies and Nana's Frozen Custard. As people sample ice cream, they can vote for their favorites in two categories: Best Pure Flavor and Best Flavor With Inclusions.

Harbison said the vendors, who donate their product, often like to try out new flavors.

Mayfield, for instance, will be serving up O'Charley's Caramel Pie and Triple Play, the official ice cream of the Atlanta Braves.

First Sunday debuts

In addition to the Ice Cream Social promotion, the market also officially will launch two monthly activities it has tested this year.

* Best Beer Series: Located in a "beer garden" at the rear of the pavilion, this will offer patrons a sample of five brews - Big River, Moccasin Bend, McHale's, Bluegrass Brewing and Lazy Magnolia - and tapas from Broad Street Grille and The Chattanoogan for $15. The 11 a.m.-2 p.m. event is coordinated by Tony Giannasi of Barley Mob Brewers of Chattanooga. The Best Beer Series will be offered the first Sunday of each month (except holiday weekends).

* Cooking demonstration: This first Sunday event, set for 1 p.m., will be offered by Broad Street Grille and The Chattanoogan. Food prepared during the demonstration will be part of the tapas served to patrons of the Best Beer Series.