Free Italian Ice At Columbia Rita's

COLUMBIA, MD — Monday is the first day of spring, and that means free Italian ice from Rita's and free ice cream at Dairy Queen locations coast to coast, including the stores in the Columbia area.

This is the 25th year that Rita's is giving away Italian ice to mark the change of seasons. The limit is one per visitor.

Customers are encouraged to snap a photo of their “cool treat” and share it on Instagram or Twitter for the chance to win free Rita's for a year (52 free Italian ice coupons). Ue the hashtag #RitasFirstDayOfSpring from March 20-March 25 to be entered into the Rita’s First Day of Spring Photo Contest. See the rules.

These area Rita's are open from noon until 9 p.m.:

• 5485 Harpers Farm Road, Columbia
• 8640 Guilford Road, Columbia

In addition, Dairy Queen is giving away a free small vanilla cone to each visitor on Monday, March 20. While the cones are free, people are encouraged to donate to the Children's Miracle Network.

Find the nearest Dairy Queen. Locations in malls are reportedly not participating in the free cone promotion.

Image via Rita's Italian Ice.