One Of Gifford’s Original Ice Cream Stands Will Remain Closed And Be Sold

One of the first family ice cream stands opened by the Gifford family, back in the early 1980s, will remain closed for good and eventually be sold off.

It was announced earlier this week, via the Gifford's Ice Cream Facebook Page, that the Farmington Stand, which has been located at 293 Main Street for over 40 years, and which sustained extensive damage over the winter from a couple of strong storms, would not reopen after all.

"Back in 1982, our family opened our second ice cream stand in Farmington, Maine. It was a thrilling time for our small family business and the little stand on Main Street quickly became the backdrop to countless cherished memories. So, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of the Farmington stand."

When the other Gifford's Ice Cream stands opened for the season last March, the Gifford's website listed the Farmington stand as "Closed for Repairs" but mentioned that they looked forward to seeing folks soon.

Read More: Gifford's Bangor Stand Will Be The First To Open For This Season.

Aside from the damage to the Farmington family stand, the company has also been trying to rebuild after a fire destroyed its ice cream production facility in Skowhegan last year.

Read More: Gifford's Plant Not Able To Make Ice Cream After Accidental Fire

A statement released by the Gifford family expressed disappointment and sadness surrounding the decision to close the Farmington location.

"Over the last several months, we have been working to determine the best path forward for our Farmington stand. After countless hours of thought and deliberation, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close that stand, and sell the location... But after experiencing a significant fire at our plant in Skowhegan and two major floods at the stand last year, we need to balance and prioritize resources, and that has led us to make the hard decision to close Farmington. "

A representative for the family stated that they are forever grateful to those who stopped into the stand over the years to get a scoop of ice cream.

"We are profoundly grateful for the support and loyalty of our valued customers over the last 42 years, and want to thank every single person who has visited us in Farmington - be it once, or every year since opening...We hope we will see you at one of our other family-owned stands in Bangor, Skowhegan, and Waterville."

The family says you'll also still be able to get Gifford's Famous Ice Cream at spots like the Dutch Treat in Wilton, Farmington Falls Beer Garden in Farmington Falls, the Pine Tree Frosty in Rangeley, Jimmie’s in Dixfield, Frosty Delight in Mexico and Sweet Scoops in Jay.

Read More: Gifford's Gets Ready For Ice Cream Season With New Pint Line

Aside from that, Gifford's Ice Cream is also available through retail partners in many grocery stores across the state.