By Christopher Edmunds

The Selma Times-Journal

The ice cream shop that opened in Selma in October 2012 has moved to a new location on Broad Street. But while the location might have changed, the service, the goodies and yes, the challenges have remained.

As for the main challenge, the Big Country Challenge, it remains undefeated against those thinking they stomach to win.

The challenge consists of 14 scoops, 12 toppings, a whole can of whipped cream, three bananas, 10 cherries and peanuts — or another topping if the participant is allergic.

The challenge must be completed in 20 minutes or less.

Mary Carter, the manager at Sweet Advantages, said she would never attempt the challenge.

“No way,” she said. “I would get a bad brain freeze.”

Anyone who completes the Big Country Challenge will get a picture on the wall of fame and a T-shirt, along with the bragging rights of being the first winner.

“We’ve had four people attempt it so far,” Carter said. “One guy got close. All he had to do was drink up the melted ice cream, but he couldn’t do it.”

The Big Country Challenge is just one of many options offered at Sweet Advantages. Customers can buy everything from ice cream and milkshakes to cotton candy and hot dogs. Customers can add an unlimited amount of toppings to their ice cream and create any combination of the 24 flavors available.

Carter said the most popular flavor is Crazy Colors, a vanilla ice cream with bright colors mixed in.

Carter said she is expecting a big boost in business as summer heats up, and she is glad to be in the new Broad Street location because of the extra space available.

“I like the move,” she said. “We have a lot more space, so it’s bigger and better.”

Sweet Advantages uses the extra space to host parties and other events, including movie nights for children.

Carter said the business is growing quickly since the recent move. The shop added a snow cone machine, which will give customers another option for cold treats in the summer. Also in the works is a punch card system, which will reward returning customers.

Sweet Advantages is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The store is located at 106 Broad St.

For more information about the shop or the Big Country Challenge, call 526-2697.