by Michelle Grinnell, Michigan Economic Development Council

LANSING – Hudsonville Ice Cream and Pure Michigan have teamed up again to create a Pure Michigan flavor for every season around the Great Lakes. With the help of fans, Pure Michigan Double Berry Pie and Pure Michigan Caramel Apple have become popular flavors in the Hudsonville lineup. Next up: a flavor contest inspired for the winter season. 

As with previous Pure Michigan flavors, the public will help determine the ultimate Pure Michigan winter flavor, choosing between Cabin Fever, Lake Superior Thaw and Winter Campfire. Voting on the flavors – all dreamed up during this past year’s long winter – kicked off , Friday, July 11.

“While we are all enjoying these warm summer months, this contest highlights Michigan’s appeal as a four-season destination,” said Leslie Hornung, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Partnering with a terrific Pure Michigan company like Hudsonville Ice Cream brings together all the components that demonstrate that Michigan is not only an amazing place to visit, but an ideal location to grow your business.”

The Pure Michigan ice cream contest runs through July 20, with information available on michigan.org. The winning flavor will be selected by votes cast on hudsonvilleicecream.com/puremichigan. Fans can vote between:

Cabin Fever – Blueberry coated granola clusters and chopped Michigan cherries in Original Vanilla ice cream.

Lake Superior Thaw – Hot chocolate ice cream with a cool mint chocolate candy.

Winter Campfire – Original Vanilla ice cream with a marshmallow swirl, graham cracker pieces and milk chocolate flakes.

The Pure Michigan flavors also help promote the bounty of food and agricultural products available to Michigan visitors and residents alike.

“Creating a Pure Michigan flavor each year has become a tradition,” said Caryn Beatty of Holland, Michigan-based Hudsonville Ice Cream. “Fans love it and it gives us a chance to hear what flavors they are looking for. We want to make sure we have great ice cream flavors to enjoy year round and the Pure Michigan flavors help us highlight the tastes that accompany each season.”

The winning flavor will be available in local grocery stores this winter. Voters will be entered for a chance to win one of ten unique Michigan inspired prizes ranging from throwing out the first pitch at a Tigers game to tickets for a Pictured Rocks boat cruise.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.