Ice Cream ‘rodeo’ returns to Loesch Park on Aug. 3

Boot bouquets and bull rides will return to Reverend Loesch Family Park in August for the third Ice Cream Social Family Day Rodeo. Photos by Style House Events Production Team and Media by Christina.

Usually, you have to pick between the city and the country, but a month from now, on Sun., Aug. 3, Myesha Slaughter will be bringing the “wild west” to Dorchester with the third annual Ice Cream Social Family Day Rodeo at Reverend Loesch Family Park off Wainwright, Brent, and Melbourne streets.

Slaughter wants her neighbors to lean into the rodeo theme, pull on their boots, and saddle up for a ride on the Red Line or a quick walk to the park for this free event, which starts at 1 p.m.

“It’s a large, festival-style, rodeo theme. We go all out with the Western decor,” said Slaughter, who is also the CEO and founder of Style House Events & Rental. “You will see balloons, photo activations, a mechanical bull, live entertainment, food trucks from local businesses, as well as a vendor marketplace for people to shop local and get things for the family.”

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Slaughter held her first ice cream rodeo in 2019. After a Covid break, it returned in 2023. “Initially, we wanted to do something to support the small businesses in the area who were affected by the pandemic,” she said, “and just give back to the community who helped us survive the pandemic with booking mini-celebrations like drive-by baby showers and backyard slushy bar movie nights. With that, we started the ice cream social.”

More than 500 people are expected for the event, which was partly inspired by her parents’ deep roots in the south.

“The connections in the community that we bring together in this space make a lasting impact. This is a space for people to bring their children out, bring their dogs out, and to make those connections with other businesses,” she said.

Slaughter’s mother Bessie, who owns the Mr. Kool Ice Cream Truck, will offer free ice cream while supplies last. Myesha will also be offering up slush from her second business, Slushy Lady Italian Ice Mobile Bartending.

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While these frozen treats will be free, attendees should plan on supporting the local food trucks and vendors in the marketplace. Park-goers can also learn about community resources, participate in interactive games, and learn a few line dances with the Boston Rhythm Riders.

“Tell everybody to get their boots ready, rodeo attire is recommended,” said Slaughter.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-ice-cream-social-family-day-rodeo-event-tickets-1308099303229.


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