Ice Cream Lovers Compete to Create the Next Friendly's Favorite Sundae and Win a Dream Vacation.

WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- Kids and adults from across the country who dream of concocting the absolutely perfect ice cream dessert and taking a once in a lifetime vacation can see their dreams become reality by entering Friendly's "Create the Next Favorite" contest.

The online contest, which continues through September 5, 2006, invites ice cream lovers to go to www.friendlys.com to create and name their own original sundae recipe. Entrants can choose from among 21 Friendly's ice cream flavors, two wet toppings, and two dry toppings--plus an ingredient of their own choice - before naming their special sundae. A panel of Friendly's own ice cream experts will be judging the sundaes based on originality and taste. Winners will be announced on or before September 30, 2006.

"There are billions of possible combinations, and this contest is limited only by entrants' creativity," said Pete Bell, Friendly's Vice President, Marketing. "We've already received over 29,000 entries, and we're very excited about looking at all the delicious and innovative treats that ice cream lovers can devise using Friendly's famous ice cream and toppings - and their own imaginations."

One grand prize will be awarded to entrants age 17 and under and a one to those age 18 and over. The two winners will have their sundaes featured on a Friendly's menu and will be able to choose from one of 14 Amazing Get-Away vacations that offer kids and adults the trip of their dreams, each valued at up to $15,000.

--Explore Hollywood Stardom Indulge in Hollywood glamour, from tours of movie star homes to a behind-the-scenes look at Universal Studios to a stroll on exclusive Rodeo Drive with a $2,000 spending allowance.

--Dive for Underwater Treasures in the U.S. Virgin Islands Journey to the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands and experience island living, with world-class diving and seaside relaxation.

--Stake Your Own Goldmine Claim Experience a modern-day California Gold Rush at the 1849 Jimtown Gold Mining Camp east of San Francisco. Pan for gold and learn how to acquire exclusive mineral rights and file a legal 20-acre claim.

--Train to be an Astronaut See first-hand what it takes to navigate space from certified astronauts at Kennedy Space Center. Strap yourself in the 1/6 gravity chair for a mission simulation with a rendezvous with the International Space Station.

--Create Magical Moments at the Magic Kingdom Explore the all the magic of Walt Disney in Orlando, Florida. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios will provide a world of entertainment for young and old.

--Kids Shopping Spree in New York A once-in-a-lifetime shopping spree in the Big Apple. Explore FAO Schwartz, the giant Toys 'R' Us store in Times Square, American Girl Place, and the Interactive world of Nintendo at Rockefeller Plaza, with a $1,000 allowance at each of the four stores.

--Explore Natural Hawaii Vacation in paradise and explore the natural beauty of Hawaii. Engage in a volcano and waterfall excursion, watch spectacular sunsets, stargaze atop the Mauna Kea summit, and relax in this tropical oasis.

--The Great Family Trip-RV America The Rocky Mountains, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Devil's Tower await for this Western journey in a 32-foot Class A RV, fully equipped with everything from mountain bikes to a generous gas allowance.

--Discover Wild Alaska An adventure-filled excursion through the wild country of Alaska. Tour a historic gold mine, enjoy wildlife viewing, take a sled dog ride, cruise the Kenai Fjords National Park, and hike through Denali State Park.

--Spa Retreat at Canyon Ranch--This adults-only retreat combines self-indulgence and well-being at the award-winning Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa in the majestic Sonoran desert. Rejuvenate, relax or refocus in deluxe Southwest style accommodations.

--Visit a Colorado Dude Ranch Experience true Western hospitality at the Aspen Lodge Ranch Resort with majestic views of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker. Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and trail riding--or just relax under the stars.

--Tour Historic Baseball Parks Explore America's favorite pastime at three of the nation's oldest stadium parks - Boston's Fenway Park, Chicago's Wrigley Field and New York's Yankee Stadium. Soak up baseball's rich history on the playing fields of immortals like Cy Young and Babe Ruth.

--Ski the Slopes of Vail The ski slopes of Vail, Colorado, offer world-renowned trails for both novice and experts. Winter enthusiasts looking for something other than skiing can ice skate, ski bike, snow tube, or lounge by the fire and admire the mountain scenery.

--Tour the Majestic Grand Canyon Explore the incomparable Grand Canyon by land, air and water. Experience unique perspectives from the Grand Canyon Railway, a safari-style jeep, and mule ride, then soar over the canyon in a helicopter, raft down the Colorado and relax on a cruise on Lake Powell.

Friendly's Favorite Sundae contest is open to legal residents of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Entry is online only and no purchase is required. Complete rules can be found at www.friendlys.com.

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (Amex: FRN) is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment in more than 520 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast. The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,500 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 71-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base.