Tuesday, April 12 — RUTLAND — Ben & Jerry’s fans can mark April 12 on their calendars as the 2016 Ben & Jerriest day of the year: Free Cone Day! For the past 37 years, Ben & Jerry’s has opened scoop shops to dish out free ice cream to fans, thanking them for being so uniquely awesome. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in the small state of Vermont, and now spanning across the globe. Fans are invited to Ben & Jerry’s of Rutland, located at 221 Woodstock Ave., from noon to 8 p.m. to join in on the company’s long-time tradition of thanking fans for their commitment and ongoing support.
The company was founded on the idea that business has not just the opportunity, but also the responsibility to give back to the community. Free Cone Day is a long standing tradition when it comes to benevolent acts, and as Jerry said, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” The annual anniversary merges the two founding principles and demonstrates that giving back to the community is just as sweet as free ice cream.
“We love getting involved with and giving back to our communities. It’s amazing what we can do together over shared values and several scoops of ice cream,” said Jonathan Mitchell, franchisee, Ben & Jerry’s of Rutland. Ben & Jerry’s has been a longtime advocate of social causes like marriage equality, environmental sustainability and ensuring that their ice cream is made in the best way possible, which includes sourcing Fairtrade and non-GMO ingredients.
Ben & Jerry’s continues to deliver upon the chunky and funky flavors fans have grown to love and expect, and Free Cone Day 2016 will offer just that. In addition to dishing out the chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops will partner with local non-profit organizations to spread the word about worthy causes within their communities.
So comes the biggest question, what flavor will you have on Free Cone Day?