Special to 1808Delaware
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Velvet Ice Cream have announced an exclusive partnership that will make Utica, Ohio-based Velvet the Zoo’s official ice cream provider for hand-dipped ice cream. The three-year partnership also makes Velvet the presenting partner for the birthday party program held at the Zoo as well as the Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights event series.
“As we round out July—National Ice Cream Month—it is only fitting that we announce our partnership with Velvet Ice Cream, an iconic Central Ohio brand. We’ve enjoyed Velvet Ice Cream having a presence at our property for over 25 years and it is wonderful to continue this partnership as we both focus on family fun and shared special moments,” said Tom Schmid, President/CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay.
The hand-dipped ice cream will be available at four locations (Village Ice Cream, Funnel Cake Shoppe, Africa Treats, and Hurricane Heather’s Ice Cream) scattered throughout the nearly 600-acre Zoo and Zoombezi Bay properties. Visitors will be able to select from classic Velvet flavors like Buckeye Classic, Dutch Chocolate, and Cookies n Cream.
“When I think of both the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Velvet Ice Cream, the word that immediately comes to mind is family,” said Velvet CEO Luconda Dager. “Both of our organizations take great pride in making lasting memories and traditions for people of all ages and we could not be more proud to partner with the Zoo over the next three years and hopefully many more to come.”
As part of the agreement, the Zoo and Velvet will be running a joint social media campaign highlighting birthday party options and offering a lucky follower a free birthday party for up to 30 people.
Zoombezi Bay guests also have the opportunity to experience the last Summer Nights event of the season this Friday, July 29! Presented by Velvet Ice Cream, this event provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy extended park hours. Select attractions will remain open while a family-friendly Dive-In Movie (including “Frozen 2” this Friday!) plays on the jumbo screen at the Wild Tides Wave Pool until 10 p.m.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
For more information about Velvet Ice Cream, visit velveticecream.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram accounts.
