Jun 18, 2008 6:02 AM, PROMO Xtra, By Amy Johannes

Cold Stone Creamery is toasting its 20^th anniversary this week with an ice cream cake giveaway for Michigan residents.

The freebie runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 20 in 41 locations. Store employees will hand out free slices of ice cream cake and samples of its better-for-you smoothie line. Participating locations can be found at www.coldstonecreamery.com. Other states across the country have been celebrating with similar events, the company said.

An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 slices of ice cream cake are expected to be given. In-store counter talkers and local print ads will support the offer.

The ice cream chain is driving non-Michigan residents to its Web site to join its Birthday Club program. People who sign up receive a free ice cream creation on their birthday each year.

Cold Stone Creamery opened its first store in Tempe, AZ, in 1988. Since then, the chain has grown to include nearly1,400 locations nationwide and internationally.

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