Free Rita's Water Ice Friday, March 20th

Well, it's time to plan for this year's Rita's Water Ice Giveaway. On Friday, March 20th, Rita's, the nation's largest Italian Ice chain, will hold its 17th Annual First Day of Spring Giveaway.

That's right, a day of free Rita's Italian Ice is back again. I posted about this last year, and got a chance to sample some myself (I do take advantage of at least some of these deals) -- this was a really great tasting deal!

This Friday, participating locations are giving away a free regular-size water ice to everyone who stops by from noon till closing (generally 10 p.m.).

Last year they expected to give away a half-million cups free, but this year's press release anticipates a million people to stop by their 550 locations in 17 states. So if we double last year's projections, the estimated 1,000,000 cups will require more than 10 million ounces of Rita's Italian Ice. That's the equivalent of 320 tons of snow or 213,334 snowballs. Melted it would be equivalent to 85,936 gallons of water -- enough to fill four backyard swimming pools or 1,718 bathtubs. The job will require 2,600 Rita's employees and 15,000 hours to make the ice and fill the cups so you can see this is a big undertaking.

To honor the company's 17th year of the legendary celebration, a new mystery flavor will make its debut on Rita's menus beginning March 20th. In addition to the mystery flavor, Rita's fans can also enjoy over 30 sweet and refreshing flavors, all made fresh daily at each location. From classics like Cherry and Mango to newer favorites like Cotton Candy and Georgia Peach, there's a tempting flavor for every taste bud.

So mark your calendar, and get ready -- to find a Rita's location near you and read more about this, click this link to Rita's.