Rita's Italian Ice Giving Away Free 6-oz. Water Ice on First Day of Spring, Launches Sour Patch Kids Flavor

North Penn Now Staff•

In less than a week, we officially say goodbye to the winter season and hello to Rita’s.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is celebrating the first day of spring on March 19 with free Italian ice, as well as the launch of its new Sour Patch Kids brand Watermelon Ice flavor.

According to Rita’s, guests who visit any Rita’s Water Ice – say the one on North Broad Street in Lansdale, on Horsham Road in Montgomery Township, or on Main Street in Harleysville – will get a free six-ounce Italian ice in any flavor.

All of Rita’s more than 550 locations have a goal to giveaway more than one million cups of their water ice on March 19.

Sour Patch Kids is a sour-then-sweet candy, and its water ice flavor is described as "tangy and tart.” Rita’s recommends a gelati or its Blender beverage.

"Our first day of spring giveaway has become a cherished tradition with our guests, and this year, we're elevating the celebration with the exclusive launch of Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice,” said Linda Chadwick, president and CEO of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. "At Rita's, our guests inspire us to push our flavor innovation further each year and we are thrilled to partner with the Sour Patch Kids brand to deliver this unique take on a sour-then-sweet favorite in only a way Rita’s can. We hope to see everyone at Rita’s on March 19 to enjoy a free cup of Ice on us.”

According to a release, Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from more than 75 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy frozen custard, signature gelati, concretes, frozen coffee, Rita’s Blenders Milkshakes and more.

Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created a family recipe to include real fruit, named the product after his wife Rita, and Rita’s Italian Ice was born, according to the website.

For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest location, please visithttp://www.ritasice.com/ .