It just wouldn't be summer if the Fort Smith Museum of History didn't host an ice cream social.

That statement frequently is uttered by Leisa Gramlich, executive director for the museum. Ice cream and time with family and friends just go together "so well," especially in the summer, she said.

"It's always good for people to enjoy ice cream on a hot summer day," Gramlich said. "People like doing that."

The museum will host its annual Ice Cream Social from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 3 inside the museum's old-fashioned soda fountain, and those attending will be able to create their own sundaes via a variety of flavors and toppings, she said.

"We've been having this for over 20 years here at the Fort Smith Museum of History, and it's always a fun event," Gramlich said. "It's all-you-can-eat ice cream for $5 per person, and that $5 includes museum admission."

Those attending can choose their own toppings for their ice cream, which will be the Yarnell brand, she said.

"We're excited to be serving Yarnell's ice cream again," Gramlich said. "Yarnell's ice cream has been made in Arkansas since 1932."

Among the Searcy-based Yarnell's most sought-after flavors are Rocky Road, Butter Pecan, Ozark Black Walnut, Homemade Vanilla, Death By Chocolate, French Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip and Sea Salt Carmel, as well as Woo Pig Chewy and Hog Wild for Cookie Dough, according to www.yarnells.com.

Yarnell Ice Cream Co. was formed when Ray Yarnell purchased the assets of Southwest Dairy Products during a bankruptcy sale in 1932, states the website. Ray Yarnell's family weathered the Depression without a salary, keeping the company running on "borrowed funds" before the company grew in popularity, the site states.

"Once again, we are proud to be offering Yarnell's ice cream for our Ice Cream Social," Gramlich said. "It's really fun for us to have that Arkansas historical connection with our event."

Gramlich predicted that everyone will be impressed with the sights and sounds of the museum's old-fashioned soda fountain. Located near the front door, this area is "something to see," she said.

"The soda fountain and all of its furnishings were from a soda fountain in Mountainburg, and it all still works," Gramlich said. "All of the artifacts on exhibit in the soda fountain were collected by a local pharmacist, Roy Thomas.

"A lot of soda fountains, drug stores and other businesses were leaving the downtown area of Fort Smith in the 1960s and 1970s, when the shopping malls and other shopping areas were opening," she added. "Mr. Thomas was able to collect a lot of the old, interesting things from pharmacies."

About 250 people are expected to attend this year's Ice Cream Social, which will act as part of a "living exhibit" for participants, Gramlich said.

"Unfortunately, there are very few soda fountains left anymore, but ours is a working exhibit," she said. "Visiting our soda fountain is a great way to learn about that particular part of Fort Smith's history."

The Ice Cream Social was designed to be a family friendly affair that encourages socializing, Gramlich said. The activity also provides the perfect opportunity for area residents and visitors to view the museum's new and updated exhibits, she said.

"We here at the museum have a lot of things underway," Gramlich said. "We are in the process of updating our first-floor, permanent-exhibit area, and people will be able to check out our 'On the Air' exhibit about radio broadcasting."

For Gramlich, one highlight of the Ice Cream Social is seeing young children and teenagers take a long look at area history for the first time.

"We hope to get children, teenagers and college students interested in history," she said. "That sometimes is a difficult thing to do, but we hope to make our Ice Cream Social and Arkansas history fun for young people.

"And we have free memberships for University of Arkansas at Fort Smith students," Gramlich added. "We hope that when those students are finished with school, they hopefully will continue their membership."

Membership forms will be available during the Ice Cream Social. The museum offers memberships at various levels, including individual ($25), senior couple ($30), family ($50), investor ($100) and Fort Smith Museum of History/Fort Smith Historical Society member ($150), among others, Gramlich said.

"A membership allows free admission to the museum and events, as well as a newsletter," she said. "We are trying to take care of a 62,000-square-foot building, and that comes with challenges. Memberships help, and we always are open to accepting donations from the community."

When asked what type of sundae she will enjoy at the Ice Cream Social, Gramlich giggled.

"I always have to have hot fudge," she said with a laugh. "We only have hot fudge during our Ice Cream Social, because we are a smaller soda fountain and it's difficult to be able to offer hot fudge during the year.

I will be enjoying a hot fudge sundae that day," Gramlich added. "Hot fudge is tough to beat, and on a really hot day, the Fort Smith Museum of History's Ice Cream Social is the place to be for everyone."