The Ice Shack: One Of The Coolest Places In The 'Dena

By Dylan Roche

The story of Dave Rosage — or “Snowball Dave” as he is affectionately known by many patrons — is well-known throughout the community. The owner of The Ice Shack and Green Haven Gardens, Rosage was interested in business since youth. As fortune would have it, his first opportunity presented itself before he had even graduated from high school. While getting his hair cut for the graduation ceremony, he learned his barber was looking to sell his snowball stand. “It was the right conversation at the right time,” Rosage said. Thus began Rosage’s endeavors as an entrepreneur. In 2002, The Ice Shack opened, and Snowball Dave has been growing the business ever since. The Ice Shack and Green Haven Gardens continually surprise the community with new and different offerings.

Around the Pasadena area, Rosage serves as Vice President of the PBA, is on the board of directors for the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company, is treasurer for the Maryland Volunteer Fire Pad, and is Mason for Glen Burnie Lodge 213. A born-and-bred Pasadenian, Rosage has a deep love for the local community. “It’s the people,” said Rosage. “You feel like you know everyone from all over the area, and are friends with them.”

The Ice Shack and Green Havens Garden have established themselves as the hub of much Pasadena activity. Last fall, the Ice Shack held its first Haunted Trail to celebrate the Halloween season. Rosage plans to continue the tradition this year. “I wanted to organize something fun for kids to do,” he said, acknowledging that the trail offers a safe activity for kids at Halloween time. Rosage also helped organize the Pasadena Christmas Tree lighting and participated in the PBA Thanksgiving Caring and Sharing Parade.

The Ice Shack brought on its first college intern for the 2012 season. Baine Childress, a senior at Towson University, was on the look-out for an internship when he asked his grandmother if she could recommend a local entrepreneur under whom he could study. His grandmother directed him to Rosage. A responsible intern has been of benefit to the ever-busy Ice Shack. Childress has assisted Rosage in conducting interviews to staff the Ice Shack for the summer season. Also new this year will be the addition of tropical plants at Green Haven Gardens.

But most exciting of all are Rosage’s future business endeavors. With the summer season approaching, the Pasadena community can expect new and exciting projects from Snowball Dave — be sure to look for coverage of upcoming business pursuits in our April issue of the Pasadena Voice.

For more information, contact snowballdaves@gmail.com.