T. LOUIS – On a record-hot day in St. Louis, an afternoon thunderstorm knocked out power at Serendipity Ice Cream Shop in The Grove. This incident follows an earlier setback when the shop’s glass door was shattered in an overnight smash-and-grab.
“A lot of people in the neighborhood and customers even from the old Webster Groves location have been coming in to show support,” said store manager Kimberly Patterson.
The power outage forced the shop to close early on Wednesday, limiting transactions to cash only. Despite this inconvenience, loyal patrons showed their support by going to ATMs to get cash and returning to the shop.
Ameren crews responded promptly to restore power, a response appreciated by St. Louis Alderman Michael Browning. “I’m just grateful that with the power out, it’s not so hot anymore,” he said.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals took measures to keep fans cool during Wednesday’s game amidst the extreme heat. The team set up seven 125-gallon “Water Monster” coolers around the ballpark, providing free water to attendees. Large fans, referred to as “swamp” fans, were strategically placed near the gates to help cool guests and staff as they entered the ballpark.
Ushers were trained to recognize signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, directing affected fans to shaded areas. An additional medical team was on standby to handle any heat-related issues. Fans seated in the Loge, Pavilion, and Terrace levels were allowed to move to more shaded areas, provided they did not occupy seats assigned to other ticket holders.
Despite the challenges faced by Serendipity Ice Cream Shop, the community’s support and the swift action of local services highlight the resilience and solidarity of St. Louis residents.
