By Joshua Walther
SLOANSVILLE - If you find yourself hungry for a sweet treat while traveling along the Route 20 corridor, you might want to consider a small yet unique ice cream shop, the Dairy Carnival.
Equipped with a rich history, the Dairy Carnival itself has been serving the Sloansville area for decades. It began in the 1960s under the Gigandet family, and it thrived with a promise to dedicate itself to its customers.
The business changed hands numerous times as the years rolled on, and though many of the details are muddled, that promise has never changed. Even now, under the new owners that acquired the property in 2021, the Carnival still invites people from off the road.
Robert and Annette Vermilyea are a tag-team couple that run the Dairy Carnival today, upgrading the menu to include their own blend of frozen treats and fast food. They’ve made a number of changes, but their greatest yet was the introduction of year-round ice cream service.
“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Mrs. Vermilyea elaborated. “We’re just open to feedback from the community.”
And, according to the Vermilyeas, that open reception was a strong decision. They’ve seen slow growth over the years, though they take the most pride in their roster of regular customers that keep coming back for more.
But their involvement doesn’t end at the business side of things. The Carnival is well-known in the area for employing those in school to give them seasonal work experience, and they’ve been working as a local sponsor on numerous occasions.
“We wanted to have something for the whole community,” Mr. Vermilyea said. “We’re only here because of the support from our customers. We’re here for everybody.”
So, if you’re in the mood for a cold cone and a wholesome atmosphere as you’re still waiting for things to heat up, the Dairy Carnival might just settle your cravings.
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