This story originally appeared in the July 2024 edition of Town&Gown magazine.
Beat the summer heat with a tasty frozen treat at Wasson Farm Market in State College—especially appropriate during July, which is National Ice Cream Month, and on National Ice Cream Day, which is observed on the third Sunday of July (July 21 this year).
The Wasson family has been scooping ice cream since 2020 but the farm, located at 2545 Shingletown Road, has been in the family for more than 100 years. Owners Ron and Candy Wasson purchased the farm from his grandmother 35 years ago. The family farm started in 1922 and has evolved over the years to include dairy and crop farming on about 400 acres plus agritourism, a fresh produce market and ice cream.
The family had talked about adding ice cream to their public offerings and finally launched in 2020.
“We didn’t know how it was going to go over,” Candy Wasson says.
Two of the Wasson’s six daughters (Andrea, LaTrisha, Nicole, Krystal, Heather and Halee) have cows at the farm that help contribute to the ice cream scooped on site.
“The milk that’s done here has to be sent to have a mix made,” Wasson explains. The Wassons don’t have enough cows to fully supply ice cream production because the business has grown so fast. “We partnered with Vale Wood Farms in Loretto, and they process the ice cream mix for us and comingle with their milk and deliver the mix.”
Wasson Farm ice cream quickly gained popularity for both its flavors and the opportunity to hang out at the farm. Customers would bring lawn chairs to spend time outdoors while socially distancing.
“It started out very well and has blossomed from there,” Wasson says.
Today, the Wassons offer a variety of ice cream flavors including vanilla, chocolate, blueberry, strawberry, mint flake, coffee and peanut butter fluff. The family designed the menu based on the most popular flavors in the country.
“We went with those and added a few of our own,” Wasson says. They also experimented with flavors of the month. “We played around with that until we found the ones people really, really like.”
They scoop cones, cups, sundaes and floats. The flavors reflect the fresh produce available during different times of the year.
June featured a black cherry flavor, while July’s “Very Berry” has raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. At the close of summer, customers will find peach and the return of autumnal favorites like cinnamon and pumpkin. During Fall Fest, which runs in September and October, the Wassons offer apple cider floats featuring their vanilla or cinnamon ice creams.
“The most popular scooping for cones and dishes is blueberry and peanut butter,” she says. “Cookies and cream is right up there, too.”
Wasson adds that vanilla is popular as well, as it’s used as the base for many of the sundaes like the strawberry shortcake, fudge brownie, or “Peanut Butter Lovers.”
The family keeps busy scooping all summer. Wasson says people have asked for milkshakes or expansions, but space is limited in their current railer.
“There’s times when there are three or four of us in there trying to keep up and it’s tight,” Wasson says. They want to make sure everyone gets their treats as quickly as possible. “We don’t like having a line because we feel like we’re not doing our job.”
Wasson says their farm is a great place for college students and local families to gather during the summer months.
“We have a lot of families who come out because there’s no time limit here. You can get your ice cream and you can spend an hour or two just walking around looking,” Wasson says.
The area is kid-friendly and perfect to run off some energy. The public can check out in-season produce at the market, visit with animals, and enjoy ice cream next to a waterfall feature. This summer, the family launched “Wasson Farm Ag Explorers,” an educational program for children ages 6 to 13.
Their family heritage and legacy through the farm are important to the Wassons. The next generation is involved and ready to continue the work started in 1922. T&G
Ice cream is typically available Wednesday through Sunday at Wasson Farm Market. Check the market’s Facebook page for current hours.
Hannah Pollock is a freelance writer in State College.
