The ice cream sandwich is the second most popular ice cream novelty in the United States, second only to the ice cream drumstick. It’s no wonder that it would receive its own holiday—a holiday called National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, a day on which people can enjoy all the ice cream sandwiches they want without guilt.

This holiday falls on the 2nd day of August and is a day that everyone will probably want to mark on their calendar.

The History of Ice Cream Sandwiches

Even though the history of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is currently unknown, the history of the ice cream sandwich itself is very clear. An unknown vendor in the Bowery section of New York began selling ice cream sandwiches from a pushcart for the price of about a penny. This original novelty featured ice cream sandwiched between two pieces of sponge cake.

Not surprisingly, they were an almost instantaneous hit, and vendors all over the city began to sell them. The modern ice cream sandwich is currently attributed to Jerry Newberg—who was the first person to produce an ice cream sandwich with a chocolate wafer. He would sell these ice cream sandwiches at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Facts About Ice Cream Sandwiches

Anyone who thinks they know everything there is to know about ice cream sandwiches will probably still be surprised by the following interesting facts. That’s because ice cream sandwiches are some of the most fascinating ice cream novelties sold in supermarkets today.

The First Ice Cream Sandwich Used Sponge Cake

Although most people think of ice cream wedged between two chocolate cookies as the most common type of ice cream sandwich sold in supermarkets, the original ice cream sandwiches were not made with chocolate cookies or even cookies at all. No, sponge cake was used for the first ice cream sandwiches.

The Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Was Invented in 1928

While the ice cream sandwich was invented around the turn of the 20th century, the ice cream cookie sandwich wasn’t invented until 1928. This is when a San Francisco ice cream vendor began to sell ice cream placed between two oatmeal cookies and then dipped in chocolate.

How to Celebrate Ice Cream Sandwich Day

The best way to celebrate this holiday is by enjoying this delectable ice cream delight. And that shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish since this holiday falls during the month of August—a month that’s traditionally one of the hottest months of the summer.

You can pick up your favorite brand of ice cream sandwiches at the local grocery store, or if you’re adventurous, you can make your own ice cream sandwiches. Once those ice cream treats are made, you can then take a picture of your creation and post it on social media sites using the hashtag #IceCreamSandwichDay.