Rainbow Snow is all about bringing colorful, retro vibes and delicious shaved ice to life! Our one-of-a-kind, photogenic food trailers aren’t just eye-catching—they’re joy-delivering machines, spreading smiles wherever they go.
From farmer’s markets to tee ball games, and from bustling street corners to unforgettable private events, Rainbow Snow turns any gathering into a celebration. Birthdays, company picnics, team retreats—no matter your age or occasion, good times are guaranteed when Rainbow Snow rolls into town!
History of Rainbow Snow
Since the early 1980s, Rainbow Snow has been a beloved icon, starting with 12 cerulean-and-rainbow circular-shaped shaved ice stands produced in Utah. One of those cheerful stands found its way to the Morningside neighborhood of Sioux City, Iowa, where it quickly became a cherished part of the community.
For Sioux City-native Eric Rasmussen, Rainbow Snow was more than a treat—it was a piece of his childhood. Growing up in Morningside, Eric, his siblings, and their friends all shared fond memories of the stand’s colorful charm and icy delights.
In 2023, Eric and his wife, Ali, embraced their nostalgia by becoming the proud owners of three of the original Rainbow Snow stands. They joined a select group of owners who have preserved the magic of this iconic brand for over four decades. With a revamped menu featuring whimsical creations like Groovy Rainbow and Mystic Rainbow, Rainbow Snow continues to delight fans old and new.
Now, the magic of Rainbow Snow is hitting the road! The iconic Arco Iris is bringing its retro vibes and icy goodness to neighborhoods, festivals, and private parties across the country. Follow us on social media or join our email list to find out where we’ll pop up next.
Rainbow Snow—where every bite is a refreshing trip to a cooler, more colorful time. Don’t forget to snap a pic with the Arco!
The Arco Iris
Before slinging shaved ice, these iconic mobile stands had a groovy origin—they were originally built in the late 1970s as mobile DJ booths, complete with designs resembling giant records!
Our whimsically retro shaved ice stand is called the Arco Iris—or just the Arco for short—a playful nod to the Spanish word “arcoíris,” which means “rainbow.” For the etymology enthusiasts, the name traces back to the Latin “arcus” for “arch” or “bow” and the Greek “iris,” meaning “rainbow.”
And here’s a fun fact: in Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of rainbows, a celestial messenger linking the heavens and earth with her multicolored arc. Could there be a better symbol for the vibrant, magical experience of enjoying a Rainbow Snow treat from your local Arco?
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