Calico & Creme celebrates 25 years

Ice cream stand opened in founders’ garage

By Owen Boss

HUBBARDSTON — Calico & Creme, a popular eatery and homemade ice cream shop celebrated 25 years of business and community service Saturday with an afternoon lawn party complete with raffles, music and a giant homemade ice cream cake. The business, which owners Elaine and Donald McKay originally opened as a gift shop in the three-bay garage attached to their home on the farm, has grown to become a landmark for the local community. Although they had served name-brand ice cream in the earlier years of their business, Ms. McKay said it was not until 1992 when the couple began making their own homemade flavors that the ice cream stand became a local favorite. “None of this would be possible without the support of our customers,” said Ms. McKay. “The whole reason we are doing this event is because this is our way of thanking them for their support. I have a saying, Calico & Creme is the place where the greatest customers come to eat.” In an attempt to give back to the community that supports it, Ms. McKay converted an old oil tank on the property into a giant piggy bank, something she said is just a creative way to raise funding for local projects. “Out in the grass was this big oil tank and my friend said that thing almost has the shape of a pig,” said Ms. McKay. “So I painted it all up pink and this friend of mine who is a blacksmith helped us make it into a piggy bank.” Ms. McKay said that the renovated tank, which has since been dubbed the E.I.E.I.O. community piggy bank, has helped support the local emergency center. “We do a lot for the community with this,” said Ms. McKay. “We were able to raise $2,500 and we bought cots and canned food and supplies for emergencies. We use the money for pretty much anything the town needs.” The 25th anniversary celebration showcased performances from local country western band The House Jackers, and a magic show by local magician Eddie Raymond. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 7/21/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 171)