Rita’s to give away free Italian ice and debut new flavor. Where to participate

The first day of spring is just around the corner and with it comes warmer weather, flowers blossoming — and an Italian ice give away.

Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard will give away free six-ounce cups of Italian ice on the first day of spring, March 19. Customers can pick any available flavor of the 75+ rotating selections, or try its new flavor. Rita’s will debut its newest flavor, Sour Patch Kids watermelon ice. The flavor will add a “burst of tangy and tart watermelon” to Rita’s menu for a limited time.

In a press release, Linda Chadwick, president & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, said the spring giveaway has become a “cherished tradition” and the new flavor will elevate the celebration.

“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,” Chadwick said.

Centre County’s only Rita’s location is at 1609 N. Atherton St., State College. It’s open 3-9 p.m. Monday, and noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information or to see available flavors each day, visit www.ritasice.com/location/ritas-of-state-college-pa/. Other nearby locations include Lewistown and Altoona.

The North Atherton location — next to Champs Sports Grill — opened in 2021; previously it operated in downtown State College from 2007 until 2020. It opened for the 2024 season in late February.

Rita’s was founded in 1984 by Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo who created his family recipe to include real fruit. He named the product after his wife, Rita.