Enjoy Free Rita's Italian Ice on Tuesday

The first day of spring is Tuesday and will be marking the occasion by giving away one free regular Italian ice to each customer from noon to 9 p.m.

"It's all about welcoming spring and letting our guests know we are open," said Rita's owner Rob Marcus. The shop on Feb. 24.

The annual event is now in its 19th year for Rita's Italian Ice shops across the country, and the Severna Park location gave away 3,200 Italian ices last year when the first day of spring fell on a Sunday, Marcus said. He added that the warmer temperatures forecasted for Tuesday are leaving him not sure what to expect this year. Either way, there will be plenty of Italian ice ready for the first customers of spring.