At age 70, Newburgh legend OG Icee isn't slowing down

OG has always said he is in the flavored ice business for the children and their families.

Ben Nandy

Aug 21, 2024, 10:07 PM

Updated 21 days ago

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If you know Newburgh, you probably know about the man who has been selling Icees around the city for the last 14 years and brightening peoples' days.
News 12 spent Wednesday afternoon accompanying flavored ice cart owner OG Icee on his route to barber shops, auto parts stores and apartment complexes, just west of Route 9W in Newburgh to celebrate another successful summer and a special birthday.
"I'm 70 strong, baby!" he said, pushing the cart along Washington Avenue in his own lane. "I'm still in good shape though baby."
OG has always said he is in the flavored ice business for the children and their families.
He often asks his younger customers how their grades are and how life is going.
He is a mentor, of sorts.
"Actually, I was a kid back in the day," OG said. "I get to know each kid's mood, how they feel, how they're gonna be, and how I want them to be."
Parents at a local salon – one of OG's regular stops – appreciate his positivity and say they always look forward to his visits.
Parents at one of his regular stops say they love him, too.
"I recently moved to Newburgh, about three years now, and trust me, he is one of the first people I've seen (met) here and he is always welcoming," hair stylist Kenesha Grant said. "Even when I don't want this because I"m diabetic, I still get it from time to time."
OG said he is especially looking forward to the first day of school when he can simply show up after class and let the customers come to him.
"Oh yeah, man. Sept. 5. Oh yeah," he said. "So I can go and stand on one corner."
OG Icee will be working the after-school crowds until this year's Icee season ends on Oct. 31.