While the Easter Bunny is on his way to see children across the state, Tubby Gifford, the lovable, huggable new mascot of Maine favorite Gifford’s Ice Cream will be handing out goodies as thanks to the Skowhegan Community for its long-time support of the Maine-made ice cream.

Members of the Gifford family will introduce Tubby to customers and friends at Hannaford Supermarket in Skowhegan on Saturday, April 11, 2009, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to celebrate the official launch of the ice cream company’s new 64-ounce (half-gallon) containers in the Hannaford ice cream freezers.

The award-winning, family-owned and -operated ice cream company chose to formally introduce Tubby and launch the new container in its own backyard to honor the community it calls home and to thank Skowhegan-area families for their ongoing support.

“We’re sincerely grateful for the role that so many Skowhegan residents have played through the years in the growth of Gifford’s Ice Cream,” says Lindsay Gifford, vice president of sales with the company. “We chose to make this a local event because the people here have been key to our success since we started making ice cream.”

At a time when many companies are simultaneously downsizing their products while raising prices, Gifford’s Ice Cream made the decision to support its loyal customers by increasing the ice cream’s container size from 56 ounces to 64 ounces–without increasing the price. Gifford’s fans are enjoying a bonus of eight additional ounces per carton at no additional charge.

Seven of the Skowhegan company’s most popular classic flavors will be available in the new 64-oz size: Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Chocolate, Coffee Fudge, French Vanilla, Grape-nuts with Vanilla, Moose Tracks, and Old Fashioned Vanilla. Additionally, a special rotation of classic and new seasonal flavors–including Butter Almond, Peach, German Chocolate Cake, and Pumpkin–will be available in the 64-ounce container.