ABBOTT’S FROZEN CUSTARD CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
One hundred years ago, Arthur Abbott opened the first Abbott’s Frozen Custard stand at the corner of Lake and Beach Avenues.
That stand is still the heartbeat of the brand today, among seven other Abbott’s-owned stands and thirty-plus franchise locations.
“It is an incredible moment for everyone connected to Abbott’s at Lake Ave. We are extremely grateful for the 100 years of support from the community, as well as every crew member who scooped a cone of custard along the way,” says Brendan Drew, vice president of business development. “To celebrate this milestone is truly an honor for all of us.
Drew’s grandparents, Leonard and Thelma Schreiber, bought Abbott’s back in 1957, after working with the founder closely. The business has remained family-owned ever since.
Leonard’s guiding principle was a simple one: make sure every guest is happy. Thelma, known as Tiby to her family, was focused on cleanliness and posted a sign in the stand that read “If there’s time to lean, there’s time to clean.”
Continuing to focus on guest satisfaction and cleanliness, as well as using quality ingredients, has helped the brand remain successful, according to Drew.
Abbott’s will celebrate 100 years with “community-focused festivities” on July 17, including special guest appearances, a visit by the Seneca Park Zoomobile, a face painter, family games and activities, and more. A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will benefit the zoo’s conservation efforts. RSVPs are encouraged at abbottscustard.com/rsvp.
NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE ARTS BLOCK PARTY
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) will host a block party on August 13 to mark the closing of its exhibit Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. The event is partially funded by a grant from the Art Bridges Foundation, supporting the exhibit.
The idea was to host a community-centered celebration of the artist’s work and themes explored therein.
“Our programming team … [was] especially inspired by the movement and fluidity present throughout [Rhoden’s] sculptures—elements that are also highlighted in the exhibition’s video interpretation developed by Garth Fagan Dance,” says Lea Kone, creative workshops director at MAG. “We wanted to bring those ideas of movement, creativity, and community into practice through an interactive public celebration that encourages visitors to engage with art in an active, shared way.”
The event will feature opportunities for hands-on sculpting experiences, movement workshops to include Zumba and yoga, and dance performances. There will be live music onsite and food available for guests. There will also be guided museum tours.
“This event reflects MAG’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible and welcoming arts experiences that connect visual art with performance, movement, and community engagement,” says Kone. “We’re excited to offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the exhibition in a dynamic and celebratory way before it closes.” mag.rochester.edu/event/nota-block-party
CELEBRATING GERMAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE
The Federation of German American Societies in Rochester has hosted its German Festival in Monroe County for the past 120 years.
Of course, much has changed for the event in its century-plus history, and in recent years, those changes have included the addition of a biergarten, kids’ raffle, and photo booth, as well as an expanded Kid’s Corner and drink selection.
“This is a fun event for families to attend together,” says Stephanie Ziegler, festival co-chair. “There are things to keep kids and adults entertained, and everyone gets a chance to experience some authentic German culture.”
The cultural celebration also includes live music and dance performances, with appearances by Die Lustigen Almdudler, the Germania Singers, and Rochester German Dancers. Authentic German food, like potato salad, sauerkraut, and meat will be available, as well as kuchen, cake, and other desserts from Malek’s bakery in Brighton and Savoia Pastry Shoppe in Rochester.
The beer slide is a unique attraction at the German Fest—guests slide a beer stein down a twelve-foot platform and try to land it in a small circle for a chance at a prize.
At a small tent at the front of the festival, there will be a genealogy table and information on the federation and German history. Vendors will be set up offering flower crowns, hair braiding services, jewelry and more. Local food and alcohol vendors will also be onsite.
This event takes place August 7–8 in Spencerport. rochestergerman.org/events
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of (585) Kids.
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