Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream is the famous lines piped from the mouths of kids when Mr. Frosty enters our neighborhoods. But there’s no need to wait for the ice cream truck to arrive when you can enjoy a multiplicity of flavors for an entire day (in some cases two).  If you’re a lover of all things ice cream make your way to these delicious festivals, which offer colorful scoops and activities galore.

Texas: Austin Ice Cream Festivals

Ice cream lovers don’t need an excuse to devour its yummy flavors, so enjoying a couple of scoops for a charity or two is all the better. On Aug. 9, fans of America’s beloved dessert will meet at Austin’s Fiesta Gardens to be fully immersed in the flavors of their favorite ice cream.  The festival is intensified by other fun events, including the homemade ice cream contest for participants who believe their recipes are the best, and the popsicle-stick sculpture contest for those wanting to add a bit of creativity to their ice cream-eating experience. 

And if you're in the mood for the ultimate brain freeze, try your luck at the ice cream eating contest. For only $10 here’s your opportunity to sink your teeth in a gallon of ice cream.  Even if you’re not up for the challenge you can at least pretend to compete while stuffing your face with the delicious treat.

Kentucky: Murray Ice Cream Festival

What goes well with an ice cream cone?  Gawking at the hard bodies of hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles and trucks in the Court Square in Murray, Kentucky.   

The Top Car Show’s Cruise In joins The 2014 Ice Cream Festival for two days of excitement on Friday Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6. With cars and ice cream galore, visitors can also pack on the pounds at the Murray Rotary Scooper Bowl, which will be held on the Friday of the festival by sampling and voting for their favorite homemade flavor. The ice cream of the event is prepared by various participating charities, which cost $5 for adults and $1 for children under 10 years old.  After a day of ice cream binging, guests are also invited to watch “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” under the stars.

If you’re craving more, the festival doesn’t have to end on Friday.  Saturday is also filled with activities centered on the dessert with free samples from Purity Dairy and ice cream idol, where competitors can belt out their favorite song for a chance to win a year supply of… you guessed it, ice cream.

Georgia: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

If you’re in Atlanta on July 26, follow your appetite to the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. Of course you’ll be tantalized by every flavor impossible, especially when your sweet tooth will be taunted by strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and other mouthwatering treats. 

This festival comes but once a year so make sure you enjoy all of its delicious recipes and exciting games that are perfect for the entire family.  Just try not to get too carried away because the festival will also feature fitness routines and wellness organizations that will be determined to whip you into shape.

Roswell, GA: Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’

While you’re in Georgia stay a while and enjoy another ice cream celebration that will make your heart jump for joy. Only the avid ice cream lover is allowed since more than 100 flavors of homemade recipes will be served at the 10^th Annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’. 

On Aug. 24, the Roswell Square will be the place to sample or completely dive in as live music and exciting cheers resonating from the ice cream eating contests area sound through the atmosphere.  What better way to enjoy good old southern hospitality than by filling your stomach?