McFlurry at 20: celebrating a Canadian concoction

John Betts (right), McDonald's Canada president and CEO, McFlurry creator and franchisee, Ron McLellan, and wife Gail McLellan celebrate the 20th anniversary of the McFlurry on June 14, 2015. (McDonald's Canada)

A flurry of activity hit a New Brunswick town to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the McFlurry, a summer treat that some may not know is a Canadian invention.

The popular dessert was created by Bathurst, N.B franchisee Ron McLellan in 1995, and has since been added to McDonald's menus in 99 countries.

To celebrate the anniversary, McDonald’s Canada created a fake blizzard over its Bathurst outlet where visitors were treated to samples of a new anniversary-themed red-and-white McFlurry.

"I never expected that my creation would circle the globe with countries mixing together their own unique flavours," McLellan said in a statement.

While Canadian customers are accustomed to McFlurry flavours featuring candy treats, flavours offered around the world have included Himalayan Tea in Singapore and Stroopwafel in the Netherlands.