SnoFun a sweet treat for 30 years

SnoFun, on Central Avenue in Shafter, has been doling out happiness, one scoop at a time, for over 30 years. Owners Amando and Ilyana Chavez operate the shop, assisted by their daughter, Audrey, who just celebrated her graduation from high school as SHS senior class president.

Chavez said that her father, Fidel Gonzalez, started running the shop after acquiring it over 30 years ago. "We were from Monterey County, and my father heard of an ice cream shop for sale here in Shafter, and he decided to take the chance and buy it."

The shop has survived and thrived through all of the challenges over three decades, including recessions, a pandemic, hard times and good times. Asked what they liked about the Shafter area, she said, "I love everything. The community, the people, everything is just great here."

Chavez said that their best seller right now has to be the shaved ices, especially the Mango/Chile flavor. "It has mango syrup on the ice, sprinkled with chile; everyone seems to love this one."

Chavez said that they make their own syrups, as well as their own huge ice blocks for the shaved ices.

Residents of Shafter, no matter the age, probably have fond memories of the local shop. "I used to love coming here as a kid, getting a double scoop of rocky road. Now, my grandkids love the shaved ice," said Ricardo Hernandez. "I wish we had more of these kinds of businesses left in town."

The shop serves ice cream, shaved ice, sundaes, banana splits and milkshakes, as well as drinks. [BEGIN ITAL]SnoFun, 101 Central Ave. in Shafter, is open 12-8:30 p.m. every day. Phone (661) 477-5786.