LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - July is National Ice Cream Month and what better way to celebrate than with a big bowl of Arkansas-based Yarnell's ice cream.

Last year, Yarnell's announced that it was closing but now it's back and ice cream lovers across the nation are rejoicing!

And in honor of National Ice Cream Day, visitors at the Little Rock Zoo this Sunday, July 15 can get a free ice cream sandwich from Yarnells.

Ice Cream Factoids

• July was designated National Ice Cream Month in 1984 by President Reagan. He also declared the third Sunday of the month National Ice Cream Day.
• Nearly 9 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream.
• Approximately 1.53 billion gallons of ice cream and related frozen desserts were produced in the United States in 2011.
• The central region of the United States led production of ice cream and related frozen products, producing 726 million gallons in 2011.
• Vanilla remains the most popular flavor among American consumers, followed by chocolate, cookies and cream, strawberry, and chocolate chip mint.
• Each American consumes a yearly average of 23.2 quarts of ice cream and related frozen desserts.
• Federal regulations state that ice cream must have at least 10% milkfat, the single most critical ingredient.
• We know that Alexander the Great enjoyed snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar. Biblical references also show that King Solomon was fond of iced drinks during harvesting.
• It wasn't until 1660 that ice cream was made available to the general public, at the first café in Paris.
• Merchant records show that President George Washington spent approximately $200 for ice cream during the summer of 1790.
• When World War II ended, and dairy product rationing was lifted, America celebrated its victory with ice cream. Americans consumed more than 20 quarts of ice cream per person in 1946.

(Source: International Dairy Foods Association)