Laro wins Kemps grand prize

The fun is just starting for Wyoming area resident Mollie Laro-- whose concept for a new ice cream flavor won the 2013 Kemps Hometown Favorite contest. The winner was announced at the State Fair last week. Laro said she gets to be a judge in next year’s contest, which she’s really looking forward to. “It’s been an exciting experience,” she says. “Please be sure to tell your readers thank you from me for all their votes. The online and telephone voting were an important part of my win.”

Laro’s flavor Pistachio Fruit Party was one of three finalists’ flavors that went on to be judged at the state fair by guest judges and in a balloting process at the Kemps’ booth after fairgoers tried samples of all three finalist ice creams. Laro won $2,500 and gets 24 containers of her Pistachio Fruit Party ice cream for personal use. She expects to do some appearances in the coming months as well. “I have heard there is a billboard on 494 promoting last year’s winning flavor, so I may even get a billboard next year,” she adds. Kemps will have Pistachio Fruit Party ice cream, based on Laro’s own family fruit salad recipe, available commercially soon. Kemps took her idea and using pistachio flavoring, mini marshmallows, bits of fruit and a whipped cream ice cream, re-created her recipe.