What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Unknown to many, including those in the ice cream business, today is National Ice Cream Day! Celebrated on the third Sunday in July, the holiday was declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 as a way to promote the economic well-being of the U.S. dairy industry.

While most don't need a reason to enjoy ice cream, Reagan's move called for the people of the United States to use ceremonies and activities to pay tribute to ice cream.

Why argue with this proclamation? It sounds reasonable!

The Red Hat Ice Cream Parlor on the corner of Ski Run Blvd and Highway 50 always does a brisk summer business, and National Ice Cream day is no different. The most popular flavor? Hands down, "Cookie Dough," said server Maia Smith, a soon-to-be senior at South Tahoe High. She and co-worker Melissa Lea, also a soon-to-be senior at STHS, were catching a breath on this busy day to serve me a cup of my favorite, Mocha Almond Fudge.

A stop over at Aloha Ice Cream on Highway 50 gave the same answer on one of the most popular flavors, but owner Donna Rise also said Cookies-n-Creme, Vanilla, Mint Chip and the unique berry flavors her shop serve are also top picks among the ice cream connoisseurs she sees.

According to an online survey by Yahoo in 2014, chocolate came in number one as the most favorite, followed by cookies and cream, vanilla, cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, strawberry, butter pecan, rocky road and coffee.

But as one would assume with the variety of flavors at the store, top choices in flavors vary from survey to survey.

Rise said vanilla sells the most in her shop because it can be used in shakes, sundaes and other ice cream treats, and not just on a cone.

Run out and enjoy ice cream on National Ice Cream Day, or if you miss it, lucky for you, there'll be more tomorrow!