How Many Free Rita's Water Ices Can YOU Eat?

Some people enjoy nothing more than a delicious water ice treat on a hot summer day.  Many more love to enjoy free water ice on the first day of spring, even when the temperature is in the 30s and 40s.

At least for the next few weeks, there is only one Rita's Water Ice in Havertown. (A new one is under construction at the intersection of West Chester Pike and Steel Road). That meant big crowds throughout the day, and crowds that grew as the 9 p.m. closing time approached.

Currently, one of the nearest Rita's to the one on Eagle Road in Havertown is on Township Line Road in Drexel Hill. That's a fact not lost on water-ice lovers with limited budgets. Patch heard about several people who visited both shops and even a few more Tuesday to scoop up free water ice.

A little after 6 p.m., we spotted two brothers from Drexel Hill who were in line in Havertown after whetting their appetites at the Rita's near their home. Charlie and Max are both in-shape, trained athletes who wrestle, work out and burn off the calories. It may also be in their blood. Their dad is a part-time competetive eater who has competed in Wing Bowl and entertained troops around the world on USO tours with other competitive eaters.

• Click on the video clip to see what these brothers were in line for.

How many Rita's did you visit for free water ice on the first day of spring Tuesday?

Tell us your Rita's first day of spring story from this year, or years past, in the comments section at the bottom of this article.