Celebrate Spring With a Free Italian Ice

You have until 9 p.m. Tuesday to celebrate the first day of spring with a free Italian ice, courtesy of Rita's Italian Ice.

You can raise a cup of frozen slushy goodness to the vernal equinox at the Rita's at 1099 Merritt Boulevard.

This is the comapny's 19th annual First Day of Spring Free Ice Giveaway, according to the corporate website.

In giving away the desserts, Rita officials are predicting a "cool-ossal spring ice storm" on the first day of spring.

Company officials expect to give away more than 1.4 million 10-ounce cups of flavored ice.

"To mark the start of warm weather and cool treats, Rita's is proud to once again offer a free Italian Ice to those looking to ring in spring with a taste of happiness," Chairman of the Board and CEO Jim Rudolph said in a statement.

The giveaway generates excitement for the new season, and thanks loyal Rita's customers and surrounding communities for their support, according to the statement.

Rita's has more than 550 stores in 18 states, according to the website.

In this economy, it doesn't get much better than free.

But free ends at 9 p.m.