P.E.I Dairy Bars Reopen for Another Tourist Season
Prince Edward Island is known for their extraordinary, fun filled summers. Many people have a specific idea of what ignites their traditional island summer. Some may lean toward the clear night drives, bonfires with friends, or the classic P.E.I beach days. But what is the definite action that gives islanders hope for summer after the long cold winters? The answer is P.E.I dairy bars. P.E.I is known around the world for their local dairy bars and of course the world famous Cows ice cream. 
Every year between the end of March and the beginning of April islanders finally get to experience the tasty treats they have missed all winter, until the middle of September rolls around and the establishments are forced to return into hibernation until the warmer weather arrives.
Dairy bars continue to offer different items to separate themselves from the rest considering the significant number of competing dairy bars on the island. The small city of Summerside P.E.I has about six dairy bars/ ice cream parlours alone. One ice cream parlour that has really separated themselves from the rest is Holmans Ice Cream Parlour. Holmans draws their customers in with their unique homemade ice cream flavours and creative concoctions. They make exceptional creations that include an ice cream dish that resembles spaghetti and meatballs. Another place that has separated themselves from the rest is the Kool Breeze Ice Cream Barn who intrigue many customers with their homemade ice cream cakes.
Kool Breeze, like Holmans, is also known for over-the-top creations including their unicorn iceberg which, is made up of a multi-flavour slushy with soft-serve ice cream topped with Jolly Rancher Sprinkles.
Customer of Kool Breeze Ice Cream Barn, Bridget Patterson says, “It’s my favourite time of the year, between the positive atmosphere and the great treats, it just can’t be beat.” 
Of course with the reopening of dairy bars, rules had to be adjusted to suit COVID-19 protocols. Masks must be worn outside while waiting in line at the dairy bars, and a six-foot distance must be maintained. Straws and spoons used to enjoy these ice-cold sweets must now also be individually wrapped to help prevent the spread of germs.
These changes did not seem to stop patrons from filling the lines day in and day out for the first week of dairy bar season. “I have been here three times in the first week of the opening. It makes a great study break and it is too tasty to pass up on when driving around with friends,” Patterson says.
With dairy bars on P.E.I also being a major tourist attraction, the businesses continue to be eager, awaiting the much anticipated Atlantic bubble that is projected to open April 19.
After a weird post quarantine summer in 2020, many of these tourist attractions like dairy bars, ambitiously wait and hope for a better tourist season in 2021.