By HEATHER BAUGHMAN

baughman@crescent-news.com

The Chief Supermarket parking lot at South Clinton and Deatrick streets was the location of a giant frozen novelty -- a six-foot-long, 63-gallon ice cream sundae.

This sweet summer-time treat originated with Ohio Proud, the Ohio Department of Agriculture's marketing program which identifies and promotes food and agricultural products that are made in and grown in Ohio.

With the Chief Supermarket chain being a local company, "We like to promote other local companies and thought this was a good way to promote (companies that produce) ice cream and ice cream toppings in Ohio," said Annette Hoeffel, manager of marketing and advertising at Chief Supermarkets.

Hoeffel said Chief contacted Ohio Proud about its idea and told them that Chief was "really interested in some events and activities that could create excitement about locally made foods that can be purchased here in our store."

Hoeffel hinted about having an event with apples in the fall.

The giant sundae was put together inside a lined swimming pool by representatives of Ohio Proud and Chief store associates.

The frozen treat consisted of 63 gallons of vanilla Velvet Ice Cream, seven gallons of chocolate syrup and three gallons of butterscotch syrup from J.M. Smucker Co., 10 cans of whipped cream and a giant six-inch cherry.

When completed, the sundae-makers handed out samples to everyone who stopped by.

"We hope that (the sundae-making event) entertained a lot of people, as well as educated them about where local products come from," Hoeffel said.

The giant sundae made more than 1,250 servings.

Velvet Ice Cream Co. is headquartered in Utica and makes ice cream, sherbet and frozen novelties such as popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and pop-ups.

J.M Smucker Co. is headquartered in Orville and makes preserved fruits, jams and jellies; Goober Peanut Butter & Jelly combinations; and ice cream toppings.