FARGO — Miracle Treat Day is back on Thursday, July 31, and this year, it’s not the only thing worth celebrating.
As Dairy Queen marks 85 years of soft-serve success, its most famous frozen creation — the Blizzard — turns 40. The beloved annual fundraiser for Sanford Children’s Hospital arrives just in time to join the party, blending nostalgia, generosity and plenty of sprinkles.
Yes, it’s the cherry on top of a pretty sweet summer.
Before we dive into the soft serve (because, after all, “It’s for the kids” — oh, how we sacrifice), let’s sprinkle in a little history lesson about how it all began.
The first Dairy Queen and Blizzards we actually enjoy
The world’s first Dairy Queen Store opened at 501 N. Chicago St. in Joliet in 1940. (Image via Joliet Area Historical Museum )
Contributed/ Joliet Area Historical Museum
In 1940, Americans were buying bread for a dime, humming along to Bing Crosby on the radio and lining up for something new — a 5-cent soft-serve cone from the first-ever Dairy Queen located in Joliet, Illinois.
A love affair and — no doubt an increase in ice cream headaches — were born.
Flash ahead to 1985 when hair was big, shoulder pads were bigger and moviegoers were heading “Back to the Future.” That same year, DQ gave us a different kind of Blizzard — one that didn’t involve shoveling snow, but candy-packed soft serve straight into our mouths.
Served in cups featuring then-mascot Dennis the Menace, the new treat was an instant hit: thick, creamy vanilla soft serve spun with Heath Bars, Butterfinger, or Oreo. And the best part? All three sizes rang up at under $2.
When Dairy Queen first introduced the Blizzard in 1985, it came in three flavors — Butterfinger, Heath, and Oreo — and three sizes, with prices ranging from $1.29 to $1.92. They were sold with the then mascot, Dennis the Menace, on the cup.
Contributed / Herald and Review via Newpapers.com
Now, 40 years later, the Blizzard has churned through more than 170 flavor combinations — some here to stay, others gone in a swirl. Twenty or so are offered year-round, with seasonal favorites scooping up more than their fair share of attention (I’m talking to you, Belle of the Fall — Pumpkin Pie Blizzard).
Dennis the Menace may be long gone (perhaps hanging with Joe Camel and Spuds MacKenzie in mascot retirement), but the Blizzard hasn’t melted out of the spotlight.
Serving sweet treats and kids
In 1984, a year before the Blizzard’s birth, Dairy Queen partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to turn cravings for ice cream into care for children.
Over the past 41 years, the DQ system has raised more than $185 million for children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network.
By 2006, they launched the first Miracle Treat Day to support their mission of helping sick children.
Dairy Queen first partnered with Children’s Miracle Network in 1984 and has raised more than $185 million in donations.
Contributed / Ben Brewer
This year on Miracle Treat Day, $1 or more from every Blizzard sold at participating local Dairy Queen locations will be donated to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. The funds help purchase life-saving equipment, support pediatric services and assist families when they need it most.
“It’s DQ’s sweetest day for a great cause,” said Tonya Johnson, owner-operator of DQ restaurants in Horace, Dilworth and Fargo’s 52nd Avenue South. “If you’re going to buy a Blizzard anyway, this way it helps local children’s hospitals at the same time.”
Johnson said the day is more than just heartwarming and delicious — it’s record-breaking. “It has surpassed Mother’s Day some years,” she said. “It’s one of our busiest days of the year.”
Johnson said it doesn’t matter what size or flavor of Blizzard you choose. The funds are going to the kids, regardless.
At least one dollar from every Blizzard treat sold in our region on Miracle Treat Day goes to Sanford Children’s Hospital.
Contributed / Dairy Queen
But what Blizzard flavor will be most served on Miracle Treat Day? Who is the King, er, rather Queen of the Blizzards?
According to Google Trends and Yahoo data, the Oreo Blizzard, one of the original flavors introduced 40 years ago, remains the most popular Blizzard throughout the year.
It’s followed close behind by Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and Butterfinger.
But Johnson said in the summer months, options like cotton candy and s’mores give them all a run for their money.
“They’re seasonal and only stick around for six months — people really look forward to them.”
Sixteen DQ locations in the region will participate in this year’s Miracle Treat Day, including restaurants in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Dilworth, Horace, Hawley, Barnesville and Casselton.
Delivery options are available at many stores through third-party apps, but Johnson recommends checking with your local DQ ahead of time. Some stores may even accommodate large orders placed directly with them.
To find a participating location or learn more, visit
www.miracletreatday.com
or download the DQ App.
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