Lakeside Parlor will open for its third season Saturday, May 3. Lakeside is combining forces with the Cass District Library for a summer reading program. Pictured in front from left are owners Lori Whitmyer and Karen Smoots. In back are Victoria Baker, Mackenzie Whitmyer, Paige Deak, Meagan Ruff and Haley Smith. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

It’s going to be a delicious summer of ice cream treats at the Lakeside Parlor.

That’s because the business is joining with the Cass District Library for a summer reading program.

According to co-owner Karen Smoots, Lakeside Parlor, which opens at 11 a.m. May 3, the business is the rewards sponsor for the libraries “Fizz Boom Read Program.”

“The kids, when they go to the library to return the books that they have read, are going to get coupons for a free scoop of ice cream,” Smoots said. “There is a maximum of two coupons that they can earn for hours read. They bring that and redeem it here for a scoop of ice cream. We are really excited about that because there is between 500 and 700 kids they are distributing packets to.”

Children can register for the reading program at the Cass District Library main branch, as well as the Edwardsburg, Howard and Mason/Union branches.

Ice cream lovers can also earn a week’s vacation thanks to Lakeside Parlor.

“We are giving away a one-week paid vacation somewhere in the United States and one person can win at the end of the season,” Smoots said. “Every time they come in here and make a purchase over the entire summer, they will receive a coupon which will go into a drum.”

Entries are only limited by the amount of ice cream one can eat over the summer.

Each purchase will equal one entry.

The winner will receive seven nights paid accommodations, including taxes. It does not include airfare or any other amenities. Smoot estimated the value between $1,000 and $1,500.

Lakeside Parlor will also be celebrating National Ice Cream Day July 20.

“We are sponsoring, with the library, a coloring contest in conjunction with the reading,” Smoots said. “It helps promote fine motor skills and really enhance their creativeness.”

There are three categories to the contest — up to age 5; ages 6-12 and ages 13-17. They will have a different category for what they can draw.

All entries will be on display at Lakeside Parlor July 6 through July 19.  The entries will be judged at 2 p.m. July 20.

The winners will receive prizes as well as having their drawings on the Lakeside Parlor t-shirts next year.