Although a cold dessert may not seem appealing to many during the Winter season, but as one of the nation’s first and largest self-serve frozen yogurt brands, Yogurtland does.

The distinctive flavors of yogurt that the franchise provides, with its uses of real ingredients that are from their original location, it is almost guaranteed that the customers leave the establishment with their taste buds content.

To celebrate National Frozen Yogurt Day, Yogurtland will be holding its third annual local community event at its location in Riverpark, Feb. 3. Customers will receive free yogurt and toppings from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.

This event is an extremely talked-about occasion, and to change things up, Yogurtland wants this years event to be more memorable and exciting then years past. The shop will be bringing in special collectible spoons that change colors when they become cold, and a celebratory cup to fill their free yogurt and toppings in.

Yogurtland plans on giving back to their loyal customers by also offering 6-ounces of free yogurt, to those who sign up for their real rewards program, Feb. 1-7.

Alumnus Madison Dooley, ’11, is currently employed at the establishment. She graduated FC as a lifer and is a full time student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Business Management. After graduating high school, she has worked three jobs and is content with her current employment at Yogurtland.

“I was recently promoted to a marketing position at the store level which has been a great experience,” Dooley said. “This event always brings a great deal of people to the store. It is mainly us giving back to the community and thanking our customers. We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for our customers.”

Dooley is extremely grateful for her job, and gives it all the credit when it comes to her decision made about going into business. She appreciates the support she receives from her managers, feeling lucky to be working in such an uplifting environment.

“I have worked at Yogurtland for two years and it is the best gift God has given me since I graduated from FC,” Dooley said. “Working at the store influenced my decision to go into the business field. My managers really care about us and want us to succeed in life. There are tiring days of course, but getting to go to a job that feels not like “work” is one of the biggest blessings I could ask for.”

The amount of people the event attracts gives way to much preparation as well as cleanup afterwards. Dooley recognizes the amount of work needed for the event but is excited to give Yogurtland more exposure as well as satisfy the customers.

“In past years this event always attracts a huge crowd of people and it gets pretty crazy,” Dooley said. “We are actually closing the store for an hour after the event just to clean up and get the store ready again! That’s why we only have it from 4-7. We are always looking for new ways to get our business out there. There are so many different froyo places in town that people put Yogurtland in the confusing cloud of froyo shops.”

Dooley puts the establishment in high regards as far as the flavors, prices and people involved in it. She believes the great environment provided by Yogurtland helps the employees to give customer service. Dooley is also excited about the new addition of color changing spoons for that day.

“What people don’t know is that we are the cheapest froyo place in town, and our flavors are dramatically better than those in other shops,” Dooley said. “The fact that my coworkers and I love our jobs so much, it helps us to provide better customer service. Many customers have complimented us our constant cheerfulness and something we have not had in past years is color changing spoons!”

This event is sponsored by Hershey’s and the California Milk Advisory Board.

For more information, contact Yogurtland at 559.431.1171 or visit their Fresno River Park location at 170 E. Paseo Del Centro.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @Ivettedibarra. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.

For more news, read the Jan. 29 article, BRIEF: CSF offers tutoring every Wednesday.