CHENANGO COUNTY — This summer, the county's Planning & Development Department and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) launched the county's first Ice Cream Trail. Featuring eight stops around Chenango County, the trail invites residents and visitors to explore what the area has to offer while indulging in a classic dairy treat.

At each stop on the trail, ice cream lovers can pick up a stamp card and get it stamped with a purchase. Once participants collect stamps from five different stops, they can mail or drop off their card to the Chenango County Planning Department. Every card submitted by Sept. 23 earns an entry into a raffle.

The eight stops include Gilligan's in Sherburne, America's Sweet Spot in New Berlin, Dusty's Dairy Bar in Norwich, Lindy's in Norwich, Hoppie's Cafe in Oxford, Boudreau's Bistro in Greene, Bob's Diner in Bainbridge and Country Classics in Bainbridge.

Senior Planner Allison Yacano said so far they have received nine cards.

“We will be accepting cards until September 23rd at 5pm. Please make sure to mail them or drop them off to the Planning Department before then!” she added.

With 11 prizes up for grabs, completing the trail now and submitting a card means there's a good chance of becoming a winner.

“A lot of businesses in Chenango County were generous enough to donate prizes, even shops and restaurants that were not a part of the trail!” Yacano said. “We are also grateful for our partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County, who through four of their organizations that they represent or are a part of, donated some great baskets,” she added.

The prizes include a 4-H Gift Basket; CCE Chenango Gardening Basket; SNAP-ED Basket; Grow, Cook, Serve Basket; GetThere Gift Basket; America's Sweet Spot Gift Card and Drink Cup; Serenity Hobbies Basket; Lindy's Gift Card; Country Classics Gift Card; Hoppie's Cafe T-Shirt Gift Card; and Tony T's Pizza Gift Card.

“There is something for everyone!” Yacano said.

Beyond the prizes and the creamy treats, the Ice Cream Trail celebrates the area's dairy heritage.

“Chenango County has a long and proud agricultural history and dairy has always been an important part,” Yacano said.

Ice cream also pairs naturally with another sweet substance that is widely produced in Chenango County, maple syrup.

“In my family, one of our traditions is to add maple syrup as a topping on our ice cream,” Yacano said. She added, “I believe this represents Chenango County in the best way because it celebrates all of the incredible maple producers in our County, as well as our rich agricultural history.”

When the challenge wraps up on Sept. 23, a traditional raffle drawing will be held to select winners.

“Stay tuned to our Facebook page as we will be announcing the winners there,” Yacano said.

Find the official Chenango County Planning Department Facebook page at facebook.com/ChenangoPlanning.

More information about the Ice Cream Trail, a brochure and digital map can be found at chenangocountyny.gov/234/Agriculture.