Rita’s Italian Ice is giving away free cups of its Italian ice, also known as water ice, to mark the first day of spring 2009.

The free Rita’s water ice is available all day today, Friday, March 20, from noon to 10 p.m. You can go to any Rita’s Italian Ice location to get a free 10 oz. cup of Italian ice, no coupon needed.

Rita’s Italian Ice has locations in 17 states. You can find a full list of stores here.

Spring officially began at 7:44 a.m. EDT today with the occurrence of the vernal equinox.