ALLENTOWN, Pa., December 10, 2012 – The Da Vinci Science Center (DSC) will mark the fifth anniversary of its crowd-pleasing Ice Cream Wars contest with the most spirited field in its history.

Eight teams of employees from Da Vinci Science Center partner companies will battle for liquid nitrogen ice cream supremacy during Ice Cream Wars 5.0 on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The teams are developing creative ice cream flavors, which they will mix together for visitors. The liquid nitrogen, which stands at negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit, warms rapidly when mixed with the ingredients and creates a smooth ice cream treat that is safe to eat in minutes.

Tasty Ice Cream Wars treats have been served with pageantry and flair as teams have decorated their stations lavishly, created costumes, brought mascots, and asked friends to attend previous contests. Additional Judges’ Awards are given for creativity and spirit. Team preparations for Ice Cream Wars 5.0 began in the fall.



Da Vinci Science Center visitors vote for their favorite flavors and the team earning the most votes wins the title of Ice Cream Wars Champion and a year of bragging rights. Ice Cream Wars 5.0 will be contested by teams from the following companies: 401! Creative, Allentown, Pa., the Champion of Ice Cream Wars 4.0; ATAS International, Inc., Allentown, Pa.; Just Born, Bethlehem, Pa.; LSI Corporation, Allentown, Pa.; The Morning Call Media Group, Allentown, Pa.; PPL Corporation, Allentown, Pa.; St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pa.; and WFMZ 69 News, Allentown, Pa.

Da Vinci Science Center Spokesparents Liz Keptner and Scott Babashak will host Ice Cream Wars 5.0. Visitors can enjoy the contest with regular admission. The contest would be held on the following Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, in the case of inclement weather. Additional event details are available on the web at www.davincisciencecenter.org/icecreamwars.

Ice Cream Wars has evolved significantly while gaining popularity in its short history. It was first held in Jan. 2009 as a one-time, tournament-style contest between small teams of Da Vinci Science Center staff members as part of a week-long holiday visitor celebration of all things cold. Its concept was inspired by the popularity of the Center’s Supercoolness show, during which a science educator makes liquid nitrogen ice cream for visitors and birthday party guests.

The event’s popularity allowed the Da Vinci Science Center to hold it annually after its winter holiday specials. While the contest’s format evolved in the following years, teams from partner companies began competing along with staff teams. Ice Cream Wars 4.0 in 2012 was the first contest comprised entirely of corporate teams with five teams. Ice Cream Wars has become a fun opportunity for companies that support the Da Vinci Science Center substantially to interact with the Center’s members and participants.

Each Ice Cream Wars corporate team is assigned a mentor from the Da Vinci Science Center staff, and staff scientists handle the liquid nitrogen to ensure contestant and visitor safety.

News Contact @DSC: Dennis Zehner, 484.664.1002, Ext. 112 l News Media Resources