In this Minnesota city, it’s tradition to line up for ice cream even when it’s 6 degrees

During winter in Minnesota, people lined up in single-digit cold at the Moorhead Dairy Queen (DQ) as if spring were in the air. The annual March 1 opening of the 77-year-old walk-up ice cream shop is a tradition, no matter the weather. Heavy snow, subzero cold—people will brave a blizzard for a Blizzard. “It just says that we're tough, and there are things that are really important to us,” said Jerry Protextor, a retired pastor who stood in line for a butterscotch milkshake and a chocolate-mint Blizzard. “It's just a part of community.” March is very much a winter month in the Upper Midwest, though the weather can vary wildly. The annual opening of the Dairy Queen “heritage store” brings the hope of spring and a familiar promise for people who need something to look forward to, especially with unrest in the world, owners Troy and Diane DeLeon said. “It’s a sense of unity. It’s a tradition for many families,” Diane DeLeon said. Wintry weather typically has a long hold on the region, and that was certainly true last March 1, as the temperature was a brisk 6 °F (-14 °C) when the Dairy Queen opened. Patrons could gaze over snowy surroundings as they ate their icy treats. An average of 1,200 customers stopped by the Dairy Queen on its opening day. Some showed up early and waited in their cars. Being first in line brings yearlong bragging rights. The store typically closes in late October. Julie Bergseid arrived before 7 a.m. to be first in line after two years in a row as second. “Usually there's a little bit of a line after a bit, so you gotta get here before they start,” she said. “It's momentous that this is the start of spring, no matter what the temperature. This starts it: going to the DQ, getting your first ice cream of the season.” Bundled up in snow pants, long underwear, wool socks, and mittens, she planned to sit down at a patio table and enjoy her barbecue, a Peanut Buster Parfait, and a Dilly frozen treat. “It won't melt. That's the nice thing,” Bergseid said. This article was provided by The Associated Press.