Madalyn Weintraub tells Philly Live’s Aunyea Lachelle about how Rita’s Italian Ice is celebrating the first day of spring with its annual water ice giveaway Tuesday, March 19. New in 2024? Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice.
What to Know
- Rita's first day of spring water ice giveaway is back in 2024.
- Rita’s First Day of Spring Giveaway is taking place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
- Here's the scoop on the free frozen treats.
It might still be feeling like winter Tuesday, but with spring arriving late at night, people will flock to their local water ice shop for a tasty treat over the weekend.
Rita's Italian Ice's tasty first day of spring freebie favorite is back in 2024. That's right, on Tuesday, March 19, you will see people lined up outside your local Rita's shop.
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Kicking off spring with free water ice
The water ice chain -- with more than 560 locations spread over 29 states and the District of Columbia -- teased its Rita’s First Day of Spring Giveaway on social media as February turned to March:
What's the scoop on free Rita's water ice on March 19, 2024?
In its banner on Facebook, Rita's divulged details on Tuesday's freebie:
- It's taking place at participating locations from noon. to 9 p.m.
- Every visitor gets a free 6-ounce cup of water ice.
- You can add on custard for an addition charge.
New for the 2024 season in Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice flavor, for a limited time, Rita's said.
Free water ice over generations
"Every year we celebrate the first day of spring by giving away free Italian Ice," Rita's says on its website. "That’s right, for over 25 years we’ve treated each and every Guest to a free Italian Ice. It’s a Rita’s Tradition. Just our way of kicking off the season—and spreading a little happiness."
Locations of the water ice company that's based in Trevose, Pennsylvania, is sure to be busy on Tuesday, March 19. In past years, Rita's said it expected to scoop up around 1 million cups of free water ice at its hundreds of locations.
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