Ryan Upsdell is the Okanagan Lake ice cream man with his new business, the Purple Penguin Ice Cream Boat.
The idea sparked after a family vacation where Upsdell saw the success of a similar business venture.
“As far as I know I’m the first,” Upsdell says about serving ice cream by boat on the lake. “It’s kind of surprising we don’t have more things like this.”
The Purple Penguin, named for his daughter’s favourite colour, serves up pre-packaged freezer treats, sunscreen and bags of ice.
Upsdell takes on the role of ice cream man, adding to his job titles of handyman and a paid-on-call firefighter with the Ellison Fire Department.
“Obviously this is taking over my summer, but it’s good.”
The community response has been positive with many repeat customers and even a request to sell cold treats at a party on the water.
Upsdell keeps a garbage bin on board to avoid seeing waste end up in the water and collects what he can from the lake with a fishing net.
“It’s nice to give back,” Upsdell says.
“This community brought me up, I’ve been here my whole life and it’s just nice to do something that everyone really loves.”
The Purple Penguin will be on the lake as long as the weather stays warm. Upsdell is considering launching on Kalamalka Lake in the future.
Check out Purple Penguin Ice Cream Boat on social media to find its location on the lake or send a message and the ice cream man will come to you.
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