The Free Press, Mankato, MN - Electric ice cream truck prowls streets

Wed, Nov 25 2009

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Natalie Hughes serves ice cream from the back of her Zip Zap Ice Cream truck, which she uses to make the rounds through North Mankato neighborhoods and ball parks.
Pat Christman / The Free Press

Jodi Gager knew what to do, but the four girls with her were confused by the green ice cream truck rolling through their North Mankato neighborhood.
Pat Christman / The Free Press

Natalie Hughes purchased a used Xebra Zaptruck on eBay, then had it shipped from California to North Mankato so she could convert it to an ice cream truck.
Pat Christman / The Free Press

Electric ice cream truck prowls streets

It's a cool summer occupation

By Dan Nienaber
Free Press Staff Writer

Tara Sikel and Tracy Malm’s kids, ranging in age from 5 to 7, knew exactly what to do when Hughes rolled by. They had been tipped off by neighbors up the street who had already bought a round of treats.

“They came running home, “It’s a dollar, we need a dollar,’” Sikel said.

The trip to the ice cream truck also gave Sikel and Malm a chance to chat as their kids slurped on Icees. They were impressed by 5-year-old Jenna Sikel’s ability to cover her face in red.

“I remember having it all over my face, too, when I was younger because you just wanted to get to that ice cream,” Malm said.

The hot weather has helped Hughes, and trips to area softball and soccer games have paid off with dozens of sales at one time. She’s planning to work the North Mankato Fun Days Parade and other events.

Right now, Hughes’ business is limited by the distance her truck can travel on one charge. If she goes slow most of the time, she can travel about 30 miles before plugging in again. She’s looking for a garage space to rent in Mankato. She’s also considering buying a trailer to get the truck to festivals at other locations.

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