RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - After a three-year break, the familiar jingle of the ice cream truck once again made its way through Rancho Murieta on Sunday, July 6, drawing enthusiastic customers and plenty of smiles.

More than 500 frozen treats were handed out at just $1 each, with Big Bomb Pops and SpongeBob Popsicles topping the list of favorites. 

Residents came out in droves to enjoy the long-awaited return of the summer tradition.

Eric Dubey served as the ice cream man for the day, while Phil Elder of Nice Dreams Ice Creams provided the truck and its sweet offerings. Beth Merino and Amy Hein helped keep the event running smoothly, escorting the truck through the neighborhood and sharing live updates on social media to inform residents of the next stop’s location.

This year also marked a change in leadership. After organizing the event for a decade as a member of the now-disbanded Optimist Club of Rancho Murieta, Alicia Correia has officially “retired her ice cream hat.”

Meagan Bingaman has stepped in to take over the tradition on behalf of the Cosumnes River Activities League, ensuring the ice cream truck will continue bringing joy to the community in the years ahead.

Correia expressed “a huge thanks” to the volunteers and community donors who made the event possible and helped to revive the beloved tradition.