A local family-owned business is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this weekend as Shywanda Duck and The Water Ice Family officially open their new location at the Millcreek Mall.
Courtesy of the Water Ice Family
The grand opening celebration is scheduled for October 17, at the mall location across from H&M. Guests are encouraged to begin arriving at noon, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 12:15 p.m.
What started as a seasonal business in 2024 serving Philadelphia-style water ice and customizable handcrafted lemonades is now taking its next step with a permanent mall location. Owner Shywanda Duck said the opening represents years of hard work and a shared family effort.
According to the business, The Water Ice Family lives up to its name, with family members working together to build a welcoming experience for customers while serving a variety of frozen treats and specialty beverages. The transition from a seasonal operation to a storefront mark a significant achievement for the business and an opportunity to expand its reach within the Erie community.
The grand opening festivities will include giveaways for early customers. The first 10 people in line will receive a free small water ice, while the next 10 customers will receive 10% off their entire purchase. Complimentary lemonade samples will also be available throughout the event.
Guests will also have the opportunity to try the company’s October specialty menu items, including BooBerry Cheesecake Funnel Fries and the BooBucket, available with either hot chocolate or frozen chocolate.
In a statement, Erie’s Black Wall Street praised the growth and success of the family-owned business, highlighting the dedication and perseverance that helped make the expansion possible.
Community members are invited to attend the grand opening celebration, meet Shywanda Duck and her team, and support a local business as it begins its newest chapter.