A study break might be in order next week to cool down the heat of finals, and lucky for some, Ben & Jerry's, 124 S. Allen St., will be having its annual free cone or dish of ice cream day from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Both the Allen Street location and the newest shop featuring Ben & Jerry's products, Euphoric Creams & Beans, 432 E. College Ave., will be participating, but the new shop's free cone day will only be from noon until 5 p.m.

In past years, free cone day has torn many people from their books to enjoy some ice cream and a break from studying. Bill Reynolds, the Ben & Jerry's store manager, said that last year the store gave about 4,000 cones away.

Reynolds said they are hoping for more people this year, because it rained last year and not as many people came out.

To prepare for the high volume of customers coming to take advantage of the free ice cream, Reynolds said that their store will bring in some "alumni scoopers," past employees to come in and help dish out the goods.

Some students are already planning to take advantage of the free treat.

"I will definitely be down there for my dessert," said Kelly Lormand (sophomore- English)."(Last year) I made myself study before I went, but I even went through the line a second time to procrastinate a little longer.

Jaime Lebo (sophomore-biology) said last year the line moved pretty fast and that she only waited in line about 10 minutes.But Lebo also said it was rainy and during classes, so this year more people may come because they don't have to spend their time in class.

"I got this fudge caramel thing (last year)," Lebo said.

Jim Torrance (junior-finance) got Chubby Hubby last year when he took advantage of the free ice cream.

He said he waited in line for at least 20 minutes.

Ben & Jerry's started the annual tradition in 1979.

Their intent was to thank their customers and celebrate their first year in business, according to a press release from Ben & Jerry's.

The company recently unveiled a new flavor KaBerry KaBoom. The new flavor is a mix of strawberry and blueberry ice cream with white fudge candies.

A portion of profits from the sale of this new flavor will benefit KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization that helps guide communities in building playgrounds for children.

Last year, Reynolds went to the annual Ben & Jerry's meeting in Arizona where he and other managers built a playground for an elementary school as a part of the KaBOOM! program.