NORTHFIELD — For more than half a century, the smell of fresh-baked ice cream cones wafting from the Northfield Creamie has indicated the end of winter, drawing residents from their homes.
“There’s music, delicious smells, happy, friendly faces in the windows — neighbors you haven’t seen since December are suddenly in line,” said Northfield Area Tourism and Business Association (NATABA) co-founder Steve Stoia during the organization’s annual picnic Tuesday night.
It was at the picnic, held at the Northfield Golf Club, that the Northfield Creamie was named the 2019 winner of NATABA’s Community Service Award. The ice cream stand, located at 62 Main St., provides a welcoming and entertaining meeting place for locals and visitors alike from May through Columbus Day.
Owners of the Northfield Creamie Mary and Tim Bowen were presented with a plaque commemorating the award, and NATABA members and Northfield residents gathered for the free potluck.
“We’re glad to honor two of Northfield’s greats,” NATABA co-founder Joan Stoia said.
While the Bowens have owned the Creamie since 2008, the Creamie itself has been an institution for much longer. The original owners, the Rapidas, opened the Creamie during the 1950s, according to Tim Bowen.
“That little place has been here for 68 years pumping out summer treats,” he said. “We were lucky enough to come along at the right time and saw the beauty in that place.”
“This is my adopted community, and every single person that is here has welcomed us year-round,” Mary Bowen said. “I’m very grateful to the town of Northfield for bringing us into their arms and family. This is an honor.”
As in past years, the traditional process of reviewing nominations for the Community Service Award was conducted by a subcommittee of the larger organization, chaired by John MacDougall of MacDougall Financial Services in Northfield. Award winners are typically businesses, organizations or individuals who exemplify outstanding civic spirit, longevity, and a commitment to enhancing community life and attracting visitors to the area.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.