An 'Icey' Start to Spring

Several cues mark the first day of spring, and for some, that's the tradition of waiting in a long line for a free Italian ice.

Rita's Italian Ice again held its first day of spring promotion, where customers can receive a free water ice. The deal led the location to be swamped with customers on a mild March day. The line wrapped from the order window to the end of the small mini-mall near Hazelwood, in the East Dover section of Toms River.

This is the 19th year Rita's has had the promotion. Some local customers say they've made it a tradition.

Mom Josephine brought her two children along. Son Timothy who is 7 said "I love the mystery flavor and can't wait."

The track team made a pit stop to the Fischer Boulevard location, and lines were steady throughout the day at the Rita's which was open from noon to 9 p.m.

At the Rita's on Route 9 in , the first day of spring also marked an opportunity to help out the American Cancer Society.

It was a real celebration. The Route 9 Rita's featured live music from 5 to 7 p.m. by the band Party of Two.

The fundraiser was for the Relay for Life, the annual American Cancer Society's event, which will be held at Toms River High School South. Teams of walkers have formed to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and the Route 9 Rita's event was funding Team "Pitera-dactyls."

More than $1,100 was raised at the fundraiser.