John Gowdy and Clayton Leonard at their Handel’s training in Ohio. Photo | John Gowdy

April 5. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream  is bringing their flavors to Cornelius, with a grand opening party starts Thursday, April 6, and goes to Saturday, April 8.

Expect entertainment, raffles for free pints, face painting, balloon art, and more.

The local Handel’s is kicking off its grand opening celebration with the first 50 guests receiving free ice cream. There will be drawings for Free Pint a Month for a Year.

“I have such fond memories of making weekly trips to Handel’s in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, as a family to enjoy our favorite flavors when I was completing my medical residency. We couldn’t get enough of it,” said John Gowdy,  co-owner of the Cornelius Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. “Now, I’m crossing an item off my bucket list by opening my own Handel’s.”

The Cornelius location is at 20545 Torrence Chapel Rd. in the Shops at the Fresh Market.

The grand opening party starts 11 am Thursday with a ribbon-cutting and is open to the public.

“Cornelius is a vibrant, growing, family-based community. We are so excited to be opening in this amazing area and look forward to sharing our favorite ice cream with our neighbors and visitors,” Gowdy said. Franchise owners are Gowdy, Matt Field and Clayton Leonard.

On April 7, there will be giveaways and raffles, and on Saturday April 8, guests will enjoy face painting, balloon art, music, giveaways and more.

Store hours

The Cornelius store features local flavors including Black Cherry, Buckeye, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Graham Central Station, Oree-Dough, Salty Caramel Truffle, and more. The location offers pickup, delivery and catering.

The Cornelius Handel’s is a 1,500-square-foot walkup and will be open 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.