Lauren’s Law: Snowball Stands

For many Marylanders, snowballs are life. It makes sense; many people claim that snowballs originated in our state. More on that history later.

It has been many years since a snowball stand existed in Severna Park. Thanks to B&A Snowball Station, the wait is over. Located behind The Big Bean at 4 Riggs Avenue, the new icy watering hole is the only snowball stand in Severna Park, and plenty of parking is available with easy access off the B&A Trail.

A connoisseur of snowballs myself, I worked at the previous snowball stand located at the intersection of Robinson Road and the B&A Trail in the early 2000s.

There was no rush like an entire youth sports team getting in line or a field trip of young kids. Ice, juice. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Don’t forget the occasional — and my personal favorite — marshmallow topping.

Still to this day, I love making my husband smile whenever our family waits in line for a snowball from Mr. Rob’s white truck at St. Andrew’s Swim & Tennis Club.

“Think he needs me to suit up and lend a hand?” I ask with a smile.

How lucky that since July 1, our community now has a place to get a refreshing snowball? Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 9:00pm, Friday through Saturday from 9:00am to 9:00pm, and Sunday from 9:00am to 8:00pm.

B&A Snowball Station was founded by Patrick and Katie Codd, along with Dylan and Amanda Wood.

Both families are lifelong Severna Park residents. The Riggs Avenue property has been in the Codd family since the early 1920s and, as of recently, needed some updating.

“While helping clean up the property, Dylan and I thought this would be an amazing area to do something fun in the community,” Patrick Codd said.

A lightbulb went off. They noticed Severna Park didn't have a local snowball stand.

“So it began!” Codd added.

The Codd and Wood families aim to offer the best snowballs at a great price. They use ice blocks and an old school style ice shaver.

Prices range from $2 for a kid size to $5 for a large. Word on the street is that the small size — which costs $3 — is like a medium size.

“Our syrups come from the Maryland-based company Kavern,” Codd said. “They offer all of the best flavors that everyone loves, and their quality is unmatched.”

Egg custard is the new spot’s most popular flavor, with skylight close behind.

Some snowball historians say the unique and egg-inspired flavor, along with snowballs in general, can be traced to the Industrial Revolution during the mid-1800s.

Ice houses would ship wagons with huge blocks of ice from New York down south. When the wagons passed through Baltimore, kids begged for ice shavings on hot days. It wasn’t long before moms began to make flavorings for the ice, and the most common was egg custard made with eggs, vanilla and sugar.

For B&A Snowball Station, there’s more in store for our community. For starters, a new acai and smoothie trailer.

“We will be adding steps off the trail, bike racks, a trail to the school, planter boxes, fire pit, more seating, among other things,” Codd said.

And finally, two things are for sure. One, I can’t wait to sample one of the egg custard snowballs this summer — with marshmallow topping, of course. Lastly, if they ever need me to suit up, I’m ready.