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The Shamrock Shake celebrates the big 50!

It’s that time of year again; the one time the McDonalds’ notoriously broken ice cream machines are up and running. As of Feb. 19, Shamrock Shakes are back (for a limited time only).

“There is nothing like the first taste of the Shamrock Shake each season. They aren’t my favorite, but there is just something about it. It hits different, ya know?” Matt Jobe, a sophomore biology and statistics major, said.

Apparently, Jobe isn’t the only one who knows; the Shamrock Shake has become a national phenomenon over the years. Hal Rosen created the St. Patrick’s Day dessert in 1967 at his Connecticut McDonalds, and it became nationally available in 1970. It took the company over a decade to perfect the recipe that we know and love today.

When the promotion first launched, it was used to help raise money for the original Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. Ronald McDonald House charities offer housing and accommodations near hospitals for families of sick children.

Since its debut in the 1970s, McDonalds has tried to keep the seasonal promotion fresh each year. From the Uncle O’Grimacey mascot to the introduction of a Shamrock Shake Finder, McDonalds appears to always be cooking up something new. As a matter of fact, last year they brought Shamrock chocolate-chip frappes, Shamrock hot chocolate and a Shamrock mocha to the table.

With half a century of experience under its belt, it is safe to say that the Shamrock Shake has made its mark on American culture. The minty treat does not appear to be going anywhere either. Perhaps this is because of the ‘artificial scarcity’ created by the limited time offer promotion and fear of missing out by consumers.

Shamrock Shakes are only available as supplies last and are in high demand, as per usual this time of year. If you have not had one yet, try your luck and see what the hype is about—maybe you’ll strike gold!

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