From chili cook-offs to pumpkin carvings, We Love Long Beach (WLLB)—the local nonprofit dedicated to bringing Long Beach’s denizens just a little closer to one another—has noticed one glaring fact about their socials: Long Beachers are looking for any way possible to get out, explore their neighborhoods, and get to know one another.

This is why 30 different neighborhoods with nearly 40 locations will be partaking in the cooler side of summer with ice cream socials—an appropriate start to the summer considering Long Beach consumed more ice cream than any other city in the country in 2013.



“And we want to hold on to the title for 2014 too,” said WLLB Executive Director Scott Jones.

The concept of the ice cream social is one that is desired across the city: after posting a mention that WLLB would be having the mini-events with anyone willing to partake on the first day of summer, the response was overwhelming. According to Ryan ZumMallen of WLLB, over twenty people immediately corresponded and assured the organization that they would happily host a place for strangers and neighbors alike to stop by, mow down on dairy’s sweetest treat, and do that all-too-old-school thing known as conversing.

“We thought with our Facebook following, reputation for events, and the city’s love of ice cream, we could have something pretty cool on our hands,” ZumMallen said. “Many of the hosts have been posting about their event online to get more attendants and some even posted signs on their street, or went door-to-door to invite neighbors.”

WLLB worked diligently to represent all of Long Beach so no one has to stray far to find an ice cream social. This equates to a vast span of socials, from Belmont Heights to Bixby Knolls, Cal Heights to Country Club Manor, Willmore City to Wrigley Heights. There is little question that those wanting to get their ice cream on will have no problem accessing one.

“The whole point is what the core mission of WLLB has always been about: empowering neighbors to connect and strengthen their communities,” ZumMallen said.

Once you have your satisfied portion in a bowl or on a cone, don’t forget to social your socializing by using #ScoopDogg. All we have to say is: bring on the crowd-sourced events.

The Ice Cream Social is happening this Saturday June 21st, from 1PM to 4PM. For a full listing of locations, click here.

