March is almost over, and Shamrock Shakes are almost gone.  Hal Rosen, a Connecticut McDonald’s owner and operator, created the popular milkshake in 1967.  Shamrock Shakes were introduced nationally in 1970 to customers and were first called St. Patrick’s Day Shakes, but the name wasn’t very popular so it was changed.  This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Shamrock Shake.  

Shamrock shakes have been available in every McDonald’s only since 2012.  The profits from the first shakes sold, plus help from McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, Hal Rosen, Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill, Philadelphia Eagles and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, were used to purchase a house in Philadelphia, PA in 1974.   This purchased home became the first Ronald McDonald House, “a home away from home” for families who had sick children in Philadelphia hospitals. This first home evolved into the Ronald McDonald House Charities, a famous non-profit American organization which has saved families $930 million in lodging and meals.  The charity raises money for programs that help sick children.  

Over sixty million Shamrock Shakes have been sold, which is hard to believe. The Shamrock Shake is made from vanilla reduced fat ice cream, Shamrock Shake syrup, and whipped light cream. A large (22 ounce) shake contains 820 calories, which is about the amount in 1.5 large fries or 2.5 fudge sundaes. It also could be about three egg McMuffins.

 Usually, McDonald’s stops selling Shamrock Shakes in mid- to late-March.  The Beaver Falls McDonald’s anticipates selling them for another day or two, depending upon when its mix runs out.