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Kerber's Dairy
Take the finest ingredients, blend in a
touch of creativity,
and you have Kerber’s Ice Cream!
Summer is not complete
without a taste of farm fresh ice cream from
Kerber’s Dairy. But there is no season when
Kerber’s creative flair is out of style, with
flavors ranging from Chocolate Brownie Fudge and
French Silk to autumn favorites like Pumpkin,
Granny’s Carmel Apple, and Eggnog. Over 90
flavors throughout the year make each season
special.
This year, Kerber’s Dairy makes it even easier
to enjoy their exceptional flavors by opening a
franchise store on Barnes Lake Road, just off
Route 30 in North Huntingdon. The new store
opened April 1, 2003, and has enjoyed a brisk
business from customers who appreciate Kerber’s
locally produced, quality dairy products, from
whole and skim milk to sour cream, ice cream,
buttermilk, and French Onion Dip.
If you’re not familiar with Kerber’s Dairy, the
original opened in 1961 on Guffy Road in North
Huntingdon, a scenic location overlooking the
hills and fields of the old Kerber’s family
farm. The main store and production facilities
are still there, though the operation moved to a
new building in 1991 as the demand for Kerber’s
products grew.
“The Kerber family has been in the area since
1942,” said Tom Kerber, Sr. “Originally, my dad
raised and boarded horses, and trained people to
ride. As that business faded, we switched to
dairy cattle and started milking. We pasteurized
and bottled milk and began selling dairy
products. Our flair for ice cream didn’t have
its start until 1980. As the demand for low-fat
milk took off, we found ourselves with a lot of
cream to market. What better way to use fresh
cream than by making ice cream and adding some
fresh fruit, chocolate, peanut butter, or nuts?”
At any one time, Kerber’s has approximately 35
flavors on hand.
Kerber’s main store on Guffy Road is more than
just ice cream. Open year round (except
Christmas day), Kerber’s serves a hot, buffet
style lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kerber’s Deli features the highest quality meats
and cheeses, sliced to order, as well as
Kerber’s own delicious ham salad. Breakfast
items and baked goods are popular, as are
Kerber’s custom-decorated ice cream cakes, ready
for any occasion from birthdays to holidays. And
where else but Kerber’s could you find a summer
treat for your favorite pooch? Kerber’s doggie
treats feature two dog biscuits around a center
of Kerber’s delicious vanilla ice cream.
The main store is also where Kerber’s fine dairy
products are produced, where the milk, ice
cream, and other great products are processed
daily in the ultra-clean, stainless steel
facilities right on the premises.
“One full day’s production is devoted to
iced-tea,” explained Tom Kerber, Sr. “Regular,
diet, green tea, peach tea, and raspberry tea.
Tea is a big item these days and we package
everything from 16 ounce containers to quarts
and half gallons.”
A perfect stop for the family this summer,
Kerber’s on Guffy road is a relaxing place to
visit. Kerber's colorful Lilliput Playground,
overlooking the fields, is a favorite with kids,
and in the summer and early Fall, kids of all
ages enjoy Kerber’s Petting Zoo. Llamas are
often seen in the fields right next to the
store. Hot summer evenings are a great time to
enjoy your favorite ice cream from Kerber’s
patio or pavilion as the sun drops in golden
colors behind the rolling hills.
Events at Kerber’s include an annual Classic Car
Cruise, presented by Kerber’s and the Norwin
Chamber of Commerce in late September. This year
the date is Sunday, September 28th. There will
be drawings and door prizes, a parts flea
market, and hayrides through the pumpkin fields.
Of course, not to be missed are the motorcycles,
hot rods, and antique and custom cars. (There is
a registration fee of $5. Please call the Norwin
Chamber of Commerce at 724-863-0888 for more
information.)
The Classic Car Cruise serves as a kick off for
Kerber’s Pumpkin Days festival in October, when
corn stalks, hay bales, and pumpkins abound.
Kerber’s weekend hayrides draw parents,
children, and school groups from all over.
“Build the product first, then the customers
will be your best advertisement,” concluded Tom
Kerber, Sr. “We’ve won national awards and have
been featured in Rick Sebak’s Pittsburgh
documentaries, but what brings people back is
our quality. We have fun doing our best, and our
customers enjoy the quality that comes from
that.”
One unadvertised, but well-known, tradition is
Kerber’s give away of free ice-cream cones to
moms on Mother’s Day each year. (Shhh! You
didn’t hear it from us.)
You can also find Kerber’s products at Scozio’s
Shop ‘n Save in both the Hills Shopping Center
and the Oak Park Mall, White Oak, as well as
Scozio’s Festival at 2000 Penny Lane, Jeannette.
There is also Schramm’s Farm and Orchards at
1002 Blank Road, Jeannette, and the Sparkle
Market at Norwin Towne Square, North Huntingdon.
Ice cream and gift certificates can be purchased
on-line from Kerber’s website. Although
expensive to ship ($45 per two half/gallon
order), recent orders have gone as far as
Connecticut, Florida, and California.
Don’t miss out this summer. Make time for
yourself and your family to visit Kerber’s
Dairy, or the new Kerber’s Ice Cream on Route
30. You’ll enjoy a taste of summer’s best, and
don’t forget to take home a half-gallon or two
of your favorite flavors! For more
information about Kerber’s, visit their website
at
www.KerberDairy.com,
Farm fresh milk, premium dairy products, ice
cream,
and more,-- for over 40 years.
Kerber’s Dairy at Guffy Road (724)
863-6930;
or the Route 30 store at (724) 861-6662.
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