A Different Idea

[scgrove]

As a newbie to this forum, I would like your opinions on a business idea we have. We would like to start a homemade ice cream business. However, instead of it being hand-cranked, we would use ponies to do the cranking. The ponies would be on a wheel of sorts and as they walk a circle, the ice cream would be "cranked". We are banking on the novelty of the ponies to attraction customers. They come to see why there are ponies at the event and see the ice cream and buy, buy, buy! Our targets are tractor/old engine shows, craft events, auction sales and more. I have even called some indoor craft shows and they are very receptive to the idea. (At indoor shows the ponies wear special "sneakers" on their feet and "bun bags" on their tails to catch the "poop").

Ideas?!? Good idea, not a good idea? Other places we might try to get in? Anyone else tried this?

Any input appreciated!!!!

[Ice Cream Man]

Great idea for the right places.
How about pony rides for the kids at the same time.

[scgrove]

We thought of the pony rides also but decided to wait until next year to see how this initial year goes. Plus, with everyone being "sue-happy" every child wanting a ride would have to sign a waiver of liability.

Other places we have thought of are county fairs, renaissance festivals and car shows.

Any other ideas?

[Ice Cream Man]

Where are you going to get a machine to hook the ponys to and what does it look like?

[scgrove]

My husband is a mechanical wizard and he is building the "wheel". It turns on a gear box and runs to a ice cream maker and attaches to the handle of that. As the pony goes around, it cranks the ice cream maker! It is really a unique idea. I will post a pic of it as soon as it is done, in another week or so.