Some cities mark the change in seasons with the first snowfall or the colorful transformation of foliage. In New Orleans, kids and adults alike know it’s summertime when the snowball stands that dot the landscape open their doors.

 

The author’s daughter enjoying a bubblegum snowball

It’s snowball season! A snowball is not a snow cone, which is crunchy and doesn’t hold syrup as well. A snowball, or snoball, is made of finely shaved ice that is drenched in syrup and complemented with toppings like condensed milk or ice cream.

Snowballs are so entrenched in New Orleans’ culture that, when approached to decorate another symbol of New Orleans culture, a Mardi Gras Bead Dog, Peter Mayer creatives Richard Landry, Jamie Davenport, and Jill Reim Norman chose the snowball as their muse. The result was a giant statue of a dog as a snowball – or would that be a snowball as a dog? Either way, it looks delicious and benefits the Louisiana SPCA’s public art project, Paws on Parade.

My favorite part of snowball season, besides seeing “Snoball” in our lobby, is asking friends what their favorite flavor is, because no two answers ever are the same. Here’s some insight I’ve gathered throughout the years on what I think your flavor preference says about you.

Spearmint, Cherry, Bubblegum

These traditional flavors are at every snowball stand and provide a reliable treat on a hot day. You could be described as stable, motivated, observant and secure if your flavor preference is in this group. Not driven by impulse, you like to play by the rules.

Any flavor with a topping or ice cream in the middle, including Chocolate with Condensed Milk

Make a snowball sweeter? Add ice cream to a block of ice? When you choose to add to an already delicious treat, you’re saying, “Look out world, I’m coming for you.” You like to live in the moment and never miss an adventure. You are laid back, but constantly looking for the next experience. You are always up for creating the next amazing thing the world just has to have.

Amaretto, Vanilla Bean, Wedding Cake

These flavors taste exactly like their names, and they’re delicious. This flavor preference says you are logical and introspective. You like to analyze situations and enjoy navigating through complexities. You are an independent thinker. You are the problem-solver among your friends.

Rainbow, Nectar, Cream of Peach, Cream of Strawberry, etc.

You wish we could all live in harmony together, like these flavors. You are compassionate, idealistic and want to bring good into the world. Even though you take your cues from the flower children, you are still wildly passionate about your causes. Things get done when you get behind them.

Snowballs have been part of the New Orleans’ summer landscape for over fifty years, and with the summers staying hot, this cool treat is sure to remain a favorite. Which flavor will you be slurping up this summer? Visit Peter Mayer’s Facebook page and let us know.

And one last thought: Why is there a flavor simply called, “ice cream”? And why is it yellow?