Inside the 4th Annual DC Scoop

Because we all scream for ice cream.

Last Saturday, Union Market hosted its fourth annual DC Scoop event at Dock 5. The family-friendly event attracted some 5,000 sweet toothed Washingtonians to enjoy a wide range of offerings from over 15 different creameries — from gelato to ice cream sandwiches and popsicles to liquid nitrogen scoops.

Local brands were a main attraction, but out-of-town vendors Little Baby’s Ice Cream of Philadelphia and King of Pops of Richmond joined this year’s fun, which also included savory bites from Timber Pizza Co. and Luke’s Lobster, a photo booth, face painting stations, raffles and giveaways.

A panel of judges — including ANC Commissioners Peta-Gay Lewis and Kathy Henderson, Dolcezza Gelato’s Robb Duncan and Ice Cream Jubilee’s Victoria Lai — crowned Nicecream Factory of Arlington (which pairs liquid nitrogen with fresh local ingredients to create flavors for customers on the spot) the Best DC Scoop of 2014.

But of course it was the Kid’s Ice Cream Eating Contest that stole the show. Parents and bystanders cheered on a group of 6-9 year olds competing for the winning title. Kids who gulped, scooped and ate the fastest, took home tee shirts, Dolcezza Gelato gift cards and stickers.

Following the event, attendees explored the coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques of Union Market’s lower level, more scoops at the Dolcezza Gelato Factory and the Angelika Pop-Up Movie Theater.

Participants for DC Scoop included:
• Carmen’s Italian Ice
• Dolcezza Gelato
• Dolci Gelato
• Gifford’s Ice Cream
• Ice Cream Jubilee
• Milk Cult
• Nice Cream
• Shake Shack
• Suga Mama Sweets
• Trickling Springs
• Timber Pizza Co.
• Luke’s Lobster
• Lulu’s Ice Cream
• Amore Gelato
• King of Pops from Richmond, VA
• Little Baby’s Ice Cream from Philadelphia, PA

*Images credit Travis Vaughn