Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

It’s National Ice Cream Month! Ice cream is one of America’s favorite desserts, and it pairs perfectly with so many other popular sweets: apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, cake! The average American eats about 20 pounds of the creamy dairy delicacy each year. So, when it comes to loving ice cream, you’re far from alone. See children, seniors and even animals enjoying ice cream in these images from our Annual Photo Contest.

 
2 - Maybe with enough love and hope, this giant faux ice cream will become real. It worked for Geppetto.
Maybe with enough love and hope, this giant faux ice cream will become real. It worked for Geppetto. Pamela Green, New York, 2017
3 - Lucy the Weimaraner knows how to keep cool in the summer heat, thanks to a generous human. A few licks of this treat should do the trick.
Lucy the Weimaraner knows how to keep cool in the summer heat, thanks to a generous human. A few licks of this treat should do the trick. Patricia Petit, Massachusetts, 2010
4 - A red-hued ice cream cone is deconstructed and transformed into abstract art. Does this creative interpretation taste as good?
A red-hued ice cream cone is deconstructed and transformed into abstract art. Does this creative interpretation taste as good? Andre Boto, Portugal, 2021
5 - Having kids around offers the perfect excuse to stop by the ice cream cart for a treat, as this father can attest.
Having kids around offers the perfect excuse to stop by the ice cream cart for a treat, as this father can attest. Jorge Peniche, California, 2010
6 - What’s a holiday without a sweet treat? This holy man celebrating Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival, pauses for an ice cream break.
What’s a holiday without a sweet treat? This holy man celebrating Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival, pauses for an ice cream break. Suresh Jayaprakash, India, 2012
7 - A squirrel enjoys an ice cream cone sitting atop a historic Spanish-American War cannon at the United States Naval Academy. Sometimes, the soggy cone is the best part.
A squirrel enjoys an ice cream cone sitting atop a historic Spanish-American War cannon at the United States Naval Academy. Sometimes, the soggy cone is the best part. Priscilla Hart, Maryland, 2016
8 - An ice cream truck parks in the middle of New Smyrna Beach, playing its enticing lullaby, on a hot day.
An ice cream truck parks in the middle of New Smyrna Beach, playing its enticing lullaby, on a hot day. Oliver Ehmig, Florida, 2021
9 -It’s worth the delayed gratification to pause and take a moment to appreciate that first bite. And it’s double the fun when your friend gets a cone, too.
It’s worth the delayed gratification to pause and take a moment to appreciate that first bite. And it’s double the fun when your friend gets a cone, too. Kiet Anh Vo, Vietnam, 2009
10 - You know it’s good when you’re too busy enjoying your dessert to bother wiping away the ice cream on the tip of your nose.
You know it’s good when you’re too busy enjoying your dessert to bother wiping away the ice cream on the tip of your nose. Josh Blanchard, California, 2008
11 - The apples can wait. When you’re with your sister aboard a yacht, it calls for a treat—like a tub of ice cream.
The apples can wait. When you’re with your sister aboard a yacht, it calls for a treat—like a tub of ice cream. Iulia Galushina, Australia, 2020
12 - A young girl observes an elder’s ice cream-eating techniques. It’s wise to learn from those who’ve gone before.
A young girl observes an elder’s ice cream-eating techniques. It’s wise to learn from those who’ve gone before. Rachel Chambers, Texas, 2010
13 - You can just imagine the disappointment when this appetizing ice cream hit the hot pavement.
You can just imagine the disappointment when this appetizing ice cream hit the hot pavement. Megan Young, Pennsylvania, 2011
14 - Jada Coleman, at age 7, eats an ice cream cone while waiting for her mom to vote in a Washington, D.C. primary election. Food for thought: Would voter participation increase if ice cream were provided at the polls?
Jada Coleman, at age 7, eats an ice cream cone while waiting for her mom to vote in a Washington, D.C. primary election. Food for thought: Would voter participation increase if ice cream were provided at the polls? Julia Nikhinson, Washington, D.C., 2022
15 - A little redhead nears the end of her ice cream cone. It’s not over until it’s over.
A little redhead nears the end of her ice cream cone. It’s not over until it’s over. Chele Marker-Cash, Washington, 2013

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Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.