Is there any better way to celebrate the first day of spring than with a free ice cream cone? On Wednesday, March 20, Dairy Queen is slated to host its annual Free Cone Day, meaning those looking to usher in the new season with a no-charge treat can leave their wallets at home and head to DQ.
Specifically, the chain will be handing out small, vanilla soft-serve cones with the signature curl on top free of charge at participating non-mall DQ and DQ Grill & Chill locations throughout the the country. The promotion will run throughout the day while supplies last, and there’s a limit of one free cone per customer.
“We love that our tradition of Free Cone Day has become synonymous with return of warmer weather and bringing people together,” Maria Hokanson, executive vice president of marketing at American Dairy Queen Corporation, said in a statement. “We know the start of soft-serve season brings joy to our fans, and we can’t wait to help spread smiles.”
But exactly how much joy does the seasonal holiday bring with it? According to a national consumer survey of 1,000 people commissioned by ADQ, more than 92 percent of Americans say a DQ soft-serve cone would make them happy. Furthermore, the data also showed that while more than 61 percent of responders would share a bite of their DQ cone with their significant other, only 23 percent would let a loved one take that coveted first chomp.
The survey uncovered one other, somewhat surprising, result: People are happier on Free Cone Day than they are on their own birthday.
As one eager person tweeted, “For everyone having a rough week, this Wednesday is free cone day at Dairy Queen. Ice cream makes everything better, especially when it is free.” Added another: “It’s free cone day @ Dairy Queen on Wednesday RT to save a life.”
Not one to let that happiness fade quickly, Dairy Queen also announced it would offer a small, regular, or dipped soft serve cone for 50 cents from Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 31. However, that offer, which includes the classic chocolate dip as well as the new orange, creamy and crunchy dreamsicle dip, is available for redemption only with the DQ mobile app at participating DQ and DQ Grill & Chill locations.
