Wednesday is one of Rita’s most highly anticipated days of the year—the first day of spring, which means free Italian ice.

The Rita’s on Bay Ridge Road opens at noon and will give away 7-ounce cups of Italian ice all day Wednesday—an endeavor that owner Lynn McCreary prepares for in advance.

McCreary, who co-owns both the Cape Rita's and the one in Bay Ridge, spent Tuesday morning churning out buckets of ice. She said they go through 50 tubs of ice in preparation for the spring promotional event.

"It's unbelievable every year, but last year was record-breaking," McCreary said. "It was the best ever as far as free ice goes, and the weather was ideal and that just brought out a lot of people."

Last year during the promotion, the Rita’s chain gave away more than a million cups of ice. 

McCreary said their most popular flavor was mango, but kids really seem to gravitate to cotton candy.

Rita's is located at at 911b Bay Ridge Rd.

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