A very sweet silver anniversary

After 25 years, the ice cream only gets better

Published On: July 27, 2010

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It would be quite a shame to be lactose intolerant for ice cream’s biggest day in Nashville. Moms, dads, babies and puppies filled the verdant front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church for the 25th Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’. The distant rumble of thunder didn’t stop a soul from hanging out and sampling a vast variety of different frozen flavors, all in the name of the Martha O’Bryan Center.

Sticky icky goodness combined with the humid Tennessee heat cemented the ice cream to everyone’s faces and hands, but no one seemed to care. Hard-working crankers offered up flavors like Old Fashioned Apple Crisp, Southern Mint Oreo, Tennessee Wildflower Honey and Triple Almond Dark Chocolate Cherry. While it appeared that the ice cream confections were created all in good fun, there was actually some serious competition amongst the groups. A panel of judges, including Miss Tennessee Tucker Perry and the 2009 Crankin’ winner Susan Williams, put their taste buds to work by sampling each and every flavor. After much debate (and a hefty amount of calories, no doubt) the Best of Show winner was announced: Coconut Waltz. According to veterans, it is rare for a coconut flavor to take home the top prize, so a big round of applause is in order for the participants representing the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin.

With a bevy of ice cream stands dotting the green lawn, the Martha O’Bryan Center benefited in a huge way. The fabulous nonprofit helps empower families from all over Middle Tennessee faced with financial obstacles. Founded in 1894 by, well you guessed it, Miss Martha O’Bryan, the organization has been making impoverished communities better, safer places to live. Contributions from the fun-filled event go straight to the Martha O’Bryan Center. Eating ice cream, sharing the love and helping out a neighbor in need. Doesn’t get much sweeter than this. MM