Edgartown, MA – The sweet aroma of summer filled the air Monday afternoon as Dairy Queen opened its doors for the season, welcoming a line of eager customers stretching from the entrance to the parking lot.
A group of dedicated ice cream enthusiasts, including 7th and 5th graders Cam and Jake Stanton, along with their friend Ben Brown, arrived two hours early to secure their place at the front of the line.
“We escaped school!” exclaimed Ben, relishing his first Dairy Queen opening day experience.
The anticipation reached a fever pitch as the sound of the blender signaled the start of the season, and cheers erupted from the crowd.
This year, the opening was delayed due to franchise training for new owners Paul Beeson and Kirsten Anderson, who purchased the business from Christopher Celeste this spring.
Despite the late opening, the new owners chose to uphold the tradition of opening in the afternoon, catering to the post-school rush.
“It’s a lot of fun seeing a lot of familiar faces,” said Mr. Beeson, already busy behind the counter. “We promised we’d keep the tradition.”
The line was composed primarily of Edgartown School students and parents, but other Islanders, like Alison Norris and her family, who vacation in Oak Bluffs, also joined in the festivities, creating a community gathering around the iconic summer treat.
“For many of them and their cousins, this was their first long bike ride, from home to Dairy Queen,” said Ms. Norris, reflecting on the joyous occasion.
