THE LITTLE DAIRY QUEEN OF FARIBAULT opened a week ago, marking the unofficial start of spring in my southern Minnesota community, and we missed it. I’m bummed.
Traditionally, Randy and I stop by during this late February opening of the walk-up/drive-up DQ for the bargain Peanut Buster Parfaits. When the DQ closes for the season at the end of October, we’re there, too, for the discounted parfaits.
Typically, we wait in line behind a long string of vehicles for the coveted treat. Last October we pulled up to the drive-up window only to learn that they’d just run out of ice cream and there would be no more with the shop temporarily closing. Disappointed doesn’t quite describe my emotion in that let-down moment. I’d been anticipating the taste of sweet and salty—hot fudge and peanuts atop that sweet, snow white soft-serve ice cream.
And now here it is, March 3, and I missed opening weekend with the $2.49/each Peanut Buster Parfait three-day special. Perhaps this winter of too much snow distracted me. Even if the calendar shows that spring is only officially 17 days distant, nothing feels or looks remotely like spring here. And so, I reason, this is why I missed opening weekend at The Little Dairy Queen of Faribault. My thoughts remain deeply entrenched in this winter of deep snow.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I know that the opening of the dq is a huge sign of spring and much awaited ritual. I sorry that you missed it this year, especially with your unrelenting winter. we are due for another storm this afternoon, hopefully I’m home from school by then, but either way, I’ll just take my time and get home
Be safe as you drive home in that Michigan snow. The metro TV stations made a big deal of the DQ opening in Fargo/Moorhead during a blizzard. A blizzard in a blizzard. It was fun footage to watch all those folks lined up for the DQ opening during a blizzard.
Thanks, and that’s funny!
My mouth is watering… 😉
Sorry you missed this special treat.
We’ll just have to go another time…and mark the opening and closing dates on our calendars so as not to miss them again.
You and Randy deserve a complimentary peanut buster parfait each for the nice publicity you give them every year. Sorry the snow kept you from your treat this year.
I can’t recall ever receiving anything complimentary for anything I’ve posted about. It’s a nice thought, though, and would be welcome.
I’m so sorry that you were not able to partake in this yearly ritual! Perhaps set a date for the 20th, the first day of spring? ❤
That’s a good idea, Penny. Next snowstorm slated for Thursday.
Oh know!!!! Missing the opening is tragic! Maybe they will run a Spring special in a few weeks for those who got distracted by the huge snowfall… 😊🍦
That would be nice, but that doesn’t typically happen.
I’m sorry you missed your special ice cream treat… I know how much you look forward to it.
Free ice cream cone day is coming up…