News : Peppy\'s now open in downtown Vinton

Tim and Denise Bird (holding grandson Riley) opened Peppy's ice cream shop Wednesday in Vinton.

For the past two decades, area ice cream lovers, especially children, looked forward to hearing the musical melodies coming from the ice cream truck as it made its occasional slow journey along the streets of Vinton.

But now, Vinton residents can enjoy all of the treats from the Peppy's truck -- and a few other frozen goodies -- every day of the week downtown. In addition to the Bomb Pops and Snickers ice cream bars and other frozen treats, the store will also offer pint-sized flavors of ice cream. Chococlate candies made by Judy Shaeffer and her crew at Divine Decadents in Shellsburg are also available. There are special molds for chocolates in shapes designed for Father's Day on display now.

On Wednesday, Tim and Denise Bird, who have owned the Peppy's business for the past five years, opened their first Peppy's store on Fourth Street, near the Palace, in the former Trefz Photography building.

The store will open at 1 most days, and be open for some hours on Sundays (although closed this Sunday because of graduation). Most days the business hours will be 1-7 p.m.

The Bird's children, Haley and Tanner, will also help at the shop.

Peppy's begin in 1988 as the creation of Ron Corbett, who is currently the mayor of Cedar Rapids, and one of his friends. The name came from Corbett's partner's dog. When the Birds bought the business, they changed the mascot to a penguin; small stuffed penguins are also available for sale at Peppy's.

The business opened its doors for the first time Wednesday. In addition to its 10 trucks which will continue to travel to many cities throughout eastern Iowa, Peppy's also provides service to large events, such as company picnics. There is no set schedule for which days the truck will make its rounds in Vinton. For more information, call 319-521-9696, or visit Peppy's Web Site.