IRVINGTON — A long-standing Irvington event will be bigger and better than ever. The Annual Irvington Historical Society Ice Cream Social will be held Aug. 7 from noon-3 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave. Downey Avenue will be closed in front of the center for the event; park in the overflow parking lot a block north.
The IHS Ice Cream Social annually brings together the residents, new and old, and raises funds for the Irvington Historical Society. The first Sunday of every August at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, residents visit over ice cream and cake to the jazzy tunes of White River Jazz Band.
This year, the Society has elected, for the first time, to expand the celebration to include food, games, and local artisans. Guests will lunch on the lawn and boogy to the band. Booth space will be available along both sides of Downey Avenue for guests to shop as they enjoy their ice cream and cake — and more! Purchase tickets ($1 each) online early at https://squareup.com/store/IrvingtonHistoricalSociety for special deals; tickets will also be available at the event to buy treats. Rock Cola Cafe is supplying hot dogs, grilled cheese, Choc-ola and more for purchase, while Wyliepalooza is supplying ice cream, and Simply Divine is bringing the cupcakes for the Social.
Kick back and listen to the White River Jazz Band while you enjoy your treats outside on the expansive lawn of the Bona. When the band takes its break, get ready to bid on some great items at a live auction by by professional auctioneer Mike Heimel at 1:30 p.m. — items up for bid include early 1900s antiques, a hand stitched quilt, vintage dishware, Riley books, stained glass, a framed Bona Thompson Memorial Library poster, furniture and more.
Among the unique items up for auction are a set of three Kile Oak handpainted tiles from local artist Laura Hildreth, a room redesign from Dream Designs, two tickets to the Halloween Festival Masquerade Ball, a vintage shopping spree, and a Discover Irvington basket that includes tickets to the Ghost Tour, Home Tour tickets, local merchants gift certificates and merchandise and an Irvington sign. It is a live auction, so the bidding will likely be lively!
Also new this year are local artisans and vendors, including Rita Spalding doing pet portraits (appointment only). Potters, wood pens, and many other crafts will be for sale. This would be a great time to get a head start on holiday shopping!
There is a great exhibit in the Bona: “We’re Digg’In Irvington” exhibit (where people share the “treasures” discovered on their property). Check out the unique items neighbors have dug up out of their flower beds, found under their porches, and stumbled upon in the attic.
Also on display, the Askren family will share pioneer history, mementos and reminiscences of their homestead at 16th and Pleasant Run.
Admission is free; all proceeds and donations go to support and advance the Irvington Historical Society.