Junior Alyssa Whetstine said she would love attending the annual Ice Cream Social event held in St. Louis Park to become familiar with other members of her community and bond with her siblings.

“(I would like to go) to get to know the people that are in my community and because my siblings like ice cream, I could also spend some time with them there,” Whetstine said.

Executive director of Children First Karen Atkinson said the Ice Cream Social is an event that provides families free ice cream.

“Children First for 24 years has planned this family event in Park called the Children First Ice Cream Social,” Atkinson said. “It’s presented by Citizens Independent Bank (and) we have a lot of sponsors that make it possible for (the organizers to) serve free Sebastian Joe’s ice cream cones and kosher ice cream cones.”

Atkinson said the gathering also offers a variety of interesting recreational events for the community to participate in.

“This year (entertainment will) include the high school jazz combo,” Atkinson said. “There’s a kids garage sale and a lot of activities and exhibits by local organizations — it’s just a day of family fun.”

Whetstine said she is excited for the entertainment and connecting with others in the community.

“The jazz band performance sounds fun, plus, since it’s at the community center, I can find out what kind of stuff is going on and events I can go to similar to the Ice Cream Social,” Whetstine said.

According to Atkinson, the event will be held during the celebration for the opening of the new Recreation Outdoor Center at the St. Louis Park Rec Center.

“We’re (going to be) the first event on the cement for the opening,” Atkinson said. “What’s great about that location is it’s rain or shine because it’s open air but it’s covered.”

Sophomore Anya Morrison said in addition to attending the event in support of her father, she looks forward to enjoying the weather.

“My dad is on the School Board so I have to go, (but I’m excited for) a nice day spent outside,” Morrison said.

Atkinson said she hopes the Ice Cream Social will attract a number of high school attendees.

“(The Ice Cream Social is) really a community gathering and it has become a well-known event where thousands of people will come,” Atkinson said. “We’d love to have high school students come too.”

According to Atkinson, one activity at the event will be a chance for members of the community to decorate a piano for the public.

“People can help paint (the piano) at the Ice Cream Social and later this summer, the piano is going to be placed around the community in random public places where people can walk up and play it,” Atkinson said. “If you come to the Ice Cream Social you can have a hand in decorating it.”

The Ice Cream Social will be held at 2 p.m. May 21 at the Recreation Outdoor Center.