POTTSVILLE— Hundreds of people celebrated the first day of of spring Thursday with a free, 6-ounce cup of Rita’s water ice in the city.

“We do this every year. It’s our tradition whether it’s rainy, chilly or hot,” said Lauren DeValle, 30, of Pottsville, as she enjoyed the cool treat with her children Easton, 1; and Maverick, 6, at the Rita’s on Mount Hope Avenue.

Maverick was especially enjoying an ice — three flavors of them to be exact: blue raspberry, pear and pineapple as he took turns sampling from each one.

Temperatures were in the mid 60s around 3:30 p.m. Students from Pottsville were among those standing in line.

Adrien Stephens, 16, enjoys a sweet treat after school at Rita’s in Pottsville, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

The spring giveaway has been an annual ritual at Rita’s for years.

After some time in the park, parents Mark and Angel Honus brought their children, Maverick, 3; and Asher, 1, for some water ice.

Mark said it’s good to “cool off a bit” after having fun. Asher enjoyed the icy treat for the first time ever. He was digging in with his fingers to sample tropical punch.

Toni McElvaney, owner of both the location in the city and on Route 61 in Schuylkill Haven, said the spring giveaway was popular. As of 3:30 p.m., she had given away 295 free cups of water ice.

Owen, left, and Rob Cody enjoy their water ice at Rita’s in Pottsville, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)