This summer families cuddling underneath a warm blanket to watch the sunset at one of Michigan’s state parks can enjoy Pure Michigan Caramel Apple ice cream.
That’s the state park system’s official flavor.
“So many people get ice cream and watch Michigan’s great sunsets, in state parks or along our shorelines,” said Maia Stephens, a recreation programmer with the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
On Feb. 21, 2012 judges Chef Ray Sierengowski, Jimmy McGrath, Noah Ekdom and Lexi Loehfelm chose Pure Michigan Caramel Apple as the flavor of ice cream to represent Michigan’s state parks this summer. Photo: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Dawn Dummer of Houghton Lake created the new signature flavor, Stephens said.
The state and the Holland-based Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co. ran a contest to find a Michigan flavor to represent the state parks, Stephens said. The team also brought in the Pure Michigan campaign since the contest was Michigan focused.
Kids judged the contest. The other flavors competing were Michigan Chocolate Covered Cherries, Pure Michigan Jubilee and Shiver MI Timbers.
“All four of the finalist flavors were phenomenal,” she said. “But when you ask kids about some of their favorite things in Michigan, they’re probably going to say caramel apples.”
Pure Michigan Caramel Apple will be available where Hudsonville ice cream is sold from early May until Labor Day. Meijer, a Michigan-based convenience grocery store chain, will be teaming up with the Department of Natural Resources to give out free samples at Michigan’s festivals this summer.