MURRAY, KY - Murray's Annual Ice Cream Festival was declared "a huge success" by its organizers and ice cream fans alike.  

"We brought in even more money at the gate this year than we did last year," said Lisa Shoemaker, with the Murray Rotary Club. The two-day event dodged the stormy weather, and provided free Purity Ice Cream along with a lot of family fun to all who crowded onto the Murray court square.
 
Kids flocked to the two-block array of inflatables, and kids of all ages crossed light sabres with the Star Wars characters on hand Friday night.  Car buffs wandered up and down the street ogling the classic machines on display in the Top Gun Cruise In. 

Peppers Automotive Group donated $3000 of the cash prizes which the Rotary Club gave away during Friday's Rotary Scooper, where teams from local charities cranked out special homemade ice cream recipes to be sampled and judged by the crowd. 

The first place Scooper Bowl winning team was Kirksey United Methodist Church, who received more than $1200 for their Wounded Warrior Project.

Second place winner was Eastwood Christian Academy, whose votes earned more than $1,000.

Third place went to the Puryear United Methodist Christian Youth, who also earned more than $1,000.

Saturday's festivities included the Ice Cream Idol singing competition. Individual winners were DeeDee Guthrie of Benton in the Adult Division, and Kadence Monroe of Benton in the Kid's Division. They both win a year's supply of Purity Ice Cream and $50 Gift Cards to Tumbleweeds.

Congratulations and thanks to all the winners and participants.