Tiny Van, Big Fun: Yay Big. Yay High. Yay Ice Cream!
Editor’s note: If you see dogs chasing down Yay Big. Yay High. Yay Ice Cream, it’s because they have dog treats. 🐕
If you're interested in starting a business in Everett, maybe you should ask the kids you know if they have any ideas. First came The Best Puzzles & Gifts, conceived by owner Bob Riggs' grandchildren. Now thanks to 10-year-old Gabe Fitzpatrick, you might hear a new ice cream van in your neighborhood because he convinced his parents to buy one.
Gabe and a freezer full of goodies // Christopher Bragg
Shelina and Skyler Fitzpatrick were already interested in tiny home living, road trips, and Japanese micro vans, which are easier to find now as their 25-year import waiting periods expire. I personally fell in love with the Mitsubishi Delica but decided I don't want to re-learn to drive on the right side of the vehicle. That's perfect for selling ice cream, though. The small size inspired the name: Yay Big. Yay High. Yay Ice Cream!
Finding the right van wasn't easy, but one popped up at a lot in Portland a few months after the search began. The family drove down to pick it up and Skyler got to work installing the freezer and music box, plus a light-up ice cream cone and even a bubble machine.
Check out that blue plastic finish! There are even alarms if the freezer loses power // Christopher Bragg
I caught up with them at a recent event at Bobakhan on Everett Mall Way. It was really fun to chat with the Fitzpatricks about their van and they had a really great selection of treats! I got a pickle popsicle for later and couldn't resist the famously goofy Spongebob pop.
They never look like the photo and that's why they're fun // Christopher Bragg
So where can you find them? Check the Events on their Facebook page, which is how I found the Bobakhan event. The Route tab on their website shows the neighborhoods they're in on any given day, which is likely to change this summer as school ends and kids are more likely to be outside and hungry for treats. Note that any food truck lot bookings can be found at the top of that page, too.
The best place to find them is at your house or office, though, because they're available for private events! Check their website's catering tab for pricing and info and book them for your next birthday party, wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser. They also recently announced a limited-time spring break special on social media, so it pays to follow them on all your favorite platforms.
Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.