Zsa’s, the beloved Mt. Airy ice cream shop, is wrapping up its final year in business with a joint birthday and farewell party on Saturday, Dec. 13.

After announcing last December that Zsa’s would close at the end of 2025, owner Danielle Jowdy promised a year-long celebration of ice cream and community. The Dec. 13 party will be the proverbial cherry on top of this celebration. Jowdy promises menu specials, music, performances by local drum and step groups, games and contests, and more.

In a Nov. 10 Instagram post announcing the party, Jowdy wrote, “We opened our bright little shop on December 14th, 2018, and exactly seven years and seven days later, we’ll close this chapter of the Zsa’s story on December 21st. I don’t have sufficient words to describe how incredibly proud I am of what our small team has accomplished, and the connections we’ve built over something as simple as a scoop of ice cream.”

In addition, the Zsa’s team has organized a giving drive and raffle running Dec. 10-14 in collaboration with Paul Carpenter, a local artist who worked on the mural on the side of the store.

Customers are invited to drop off a non-perishable food item or personal care product at the shop (6616 Germantown Ave.) during hours of operation in support of the Germantown Community Fridge. You can also directly contribute money at the ordering window with cash or card.

Once your donation is made, you will be entered into a raffle to win Zsa’s treats and Paul Carpenter merchandise. Winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 15, and prizes will be available to pick up at the shop from Dec. 17-21.

In a Dec. 8 Instagram post about the giving drive and raffle, Jowdy wrote, “In the past few years, with your help, Zsa’s has raised over $2000 to buy food and supplies for our neighbors. Let’s show up together one more time, and work the magic that makes this neighborhood so darn special.”

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.