we all scream for ICE CREAM at the annual Texas State Champion Homemade Ice Cream Freeze-Off!

On Saturday, BT further solidified his position as “favorite parent” by treating the family to another fun road trip–this time to the tiny east Texas town of Sulphur Springs, the site of the annual Dairy Festival (http://www.myssnews.com/news-telegram/news/5271-hopkins-county-dairy-festival-will-get-under-way-friday-with-ribbon-cutting.html).

I’m a bit of a germ-a-phobe, so the thought of eating ice cream made by a bunch of (really nice red neck) strangers in kitchens that may not quite pass health code inspections really freaks me out a bit. And I was further shaken as I stood in line waiting for the ice cream serving to begin. The purveyor on my left serving Peach LICKED the scoop after dishing out the first portion. The little girl helping to serve the Turtle Cheesecake was picking her nose. The Banana Nut contestant next to her dropped the scoop on the ground. (Does the “five second rule” really work?)

But once you get past the possibility of contracting a food-borne illness–which I kept telling myself is really no different than the risk that exists at any chili cookoff, church potluck, community bake sale, corner lemonade stand, and any fast food joint, for that matter–the event was quite fun.

For $3 per person, you get a little styrofoam cup, spoon, and all-you-can-eat ice cream. After sampling until you’re satisifed (or sick, as the case may be), you then cast your vote for your favorite flavor.

And no Tolbert day trip would be complete without a stop at a fun antique store–I found a a cute old mailbox that we’ll use to exchange notes with each other.

And because we plan on making this an annual excursion, a few reminders for myself:

• Get an earlier start so that we can see the parade and hot air balloon launch.
• Don’t stop at Ruby’s Cafe in Greenville for breakfast–FILTHY bathroom. In fact, I feel compelled to call the health inspector on Monday.
• Try Mary of Puddin’ Hill in Greenville instead (http://www.puddinhill.com/)
• The cleanest restrooms in Sulphur Springs were in the Genealogical Society building on Main Street. The sandwich shop (Plain & Fancy) had a good, clean restroom as well, but their food was only so-so.
• Bring a cooler next time; they had some really yummy stuff at the Farmer’s Market.
• Bring LOTS of water. It was hot, hot, hot!
• The Dairy Museum (free admission) next to the Civic Center was quite interesting and served free novelty ice cream treats.
• Bring towels and swim suits; it looks like Coleman Park (complete with a waterfall and swimming hole) is a fun place.