Ice Cream Man

Today I was reminded of the power of the Ice Cream Man.

I should back up a bit here; today was my ad agency's "Ledge Party" marking the official start of summer and the opening of "The Ledge" where co-workers can sit outside, hang out and most importantly ... GRILL over the lunch hour!! All while overlooking picturesque Downtown Minneapolis and the Metrodome.

So to mark the opening of The Ledge our President and Owner grilled up a storm (burgers and brats) along with a full spread of food and drinks. Quite the good time!

However, this party all ended with a trip down to the parking lot where the Ice Cream Man with his truck was waiting for all of us with dessert. It was amazing to see my fellow co-workers transform into 12-year-old children instantly. One look at that truck and all of the tasty ice cream options posted on the side and I started having flashbacks to when I was a kid.

I think where the Ice Cream Man truly derives his power from is that "distinct" sound/song the truck makes. That sound is magical and INSTANTLY recognizable. The second you heard it (when you were a kid), doesn't matter what you were doing (or if you were half dressed), you immediately ran out of your house like a shotgun blast yelling, "ICE CREAM MAN!!!" I remember doing this and simultaneously watching all the other neighbor kids doing the same. The power this song created was so overwhelming that most times I would notice kids running up to the Ice Cream Truck, beckoned by the siren call, who totally forgot their money and were forced to run back and chance it or beg and plead from friends for spare change.

I wonder does the Ice Cream Man know the power he holds? Could he harness this power, this magical sound, and say ... run for President with promises of ice cream treats for all? Perhaps that's just the beginning...

At any rate, summer is finally here and it's officially ice cream season. High Five!