The 'Country Loft Queen' sternwheeler is plying the waters of Corey Lake this summer with Country Loft Ice Cream treats. (Click on photo to enlarge)
Residents on Corey Lake get an added treat the rest of this summer as the Country Loft Ice Cream boat roams the lake. The 35-foot sternwheeler is owned and operated by Ken and Janet Griffard.
The boat will make daily excursions around the lake selling ice cream treats.
Ken Griffard said, “We will be parked in front of Happy Landing, too.”
“All of our ice cream is made on the boat. The ice cream churn is state of the art. It is mounted on the front of the boat.” And, he added, “There is a 93-year-old 1917 motor operating the churn.”
“Technically, I’ve got the same electric service as in a car,” Griffard said. “It’s all electric. I’ve got electric power to the paddle wheel, electric steering and it’s powered by batteries.”
The unique craft was built by Three Rivers artisans from a drawing supplied by Griffard.
Griffard said, “I give credit to Rich McClain for welding the boat, Dayton W. Smith for detail work and Steve Wilke for the signs.”
A website for the ice cream is www.countrylofticecream.com.
Source: Story and photos contributed by Angie Birdsall. Thanks Angie!
