Hartzler Family Dairy provides free live music at the Ice Cream Shoppe
By Karen Skubik
July 22, 2013
830
The Ice Cream Shoppe at Hartzler Family Dairy in Wooster can be a busy spot on a sultry summer evening, but once a month the crowd can swell to fill every spot in the parking lot when the community minded business provides free live music.
According to Jill Hartzler, Ice Cream Shoppe manager, about 50 to 100 people come to the once a month Music Night. Hartzler shared, My aunt sets up the musicians and has been doing so for years. Aunt Lois just loves music. And this was evident during the July Music Night when her aunt, Lois Hartzler Ramseyer, warmed up the crowd with her daughter, Winifred, playing a few musical numbers before the featured band took to the stage.
The Country Ramblers, a five-member band, looked out from a covered patio, which served as the stage, to the experienced audience who knew to bring their lawn chairs for the July 16 event. This included Jennifer Dorsall, who was enjoying her first night out with her home health aide, Rachel Coffy. They both share an appreciation for music and Dorsall said with a smile, This is where I intended to go tonight.
While some regular customers, like Jean Rouch, stated, Ive been here before and thats why I come back, and I always get vanilla, others could be more adventurous and choose from an interesting list of flavors, including Cow Pies and Cream, Trip to the Dentist, and Monkey Business, in addition to the more traditional mint chocolate chip, strawberry and butter pecan.
Sisters Morgan (6) and Kaley (9) Fitzsimmons were thrilled when their grandmother, Daryl Sowers, moved within walking distance of the Ice Cream Shoppe. Sowers noted that they all just love Hartzlers it is one of their favorite spots. So, when Morgan and Kaleys mother, Krista Fitzsimmons, read about the advertised Family Music Night, it was just the excuse the three generations needed to all find a refreshing treat and settle in by the playground.
The Hartzlers believe strongly in community and have been offering the free musical events for about 15 years. If you are like Aunt Lois and just love music, mark August 20 and Sept. 17 on your calendar for a special treat for both your ears and your taste buds.
