Italian Ice Tradition Ushers in Spring

Countless people said goodbye to winter Sunday afternoon in a fashion that is becoming a tradition for some area families: Free Italian ice from Rita’s.

Bill Labovitz and his family spent the afternoon waiting in line to get their free 10-ounce Italian ice from the Rita’s on Greentree Road in Scott. The national chain that sells Italian ice water and frozen custard has given away free portions of the slushy-like dessert for the past 19 years, and Labovitz said his family always makes sure it’s there for the occasion.

“I have the event (marked) on my calendar,” Labovitz said. “Free Rita's ice is the perfect way to welcome spring. The sunny weather was a bonus.”

Many other people had the same idea on the day before spring officially began. Three long lines stretched from the small stand through the parking lot to Greentree Road, prompting Scott Township police to direct traffic.

As the Labovitz family from Mt. Lebanon slowly approached the counter, workers continued to remove flavors from the board as they ran out of syrup, forcing some customers to change their orders several times while creeping to the front.

“Considering the packed, festive atmosphere, plenty of other folks had the same idea, too,” Labovitz said.

Kelly Banaszak, a spokesperson for Rita’s, said the spring giveaway has been a smashing success for the 560 franchises across the country. She said the company gave away 1.3 million cups of Italian ice during last year’s promotion.

Some customers may have noticed over the winter that the signage was removed from this Rita’s location in Scott. Banaszak said all of the Rita’s have put up new signs, although this franchise is now under new ownership and open again for business.