Monday is the first day of spring, which means Nottingham-area residents can get their hands on some sweet, free treats.

All Rita’s locations are giving away free Italian ice to mark the first day of spring.

The limit is one per customer and residents are encouraged to upload a photo of their Rita’s treat to Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #RitasFirstDayOfSpring, they are also aloud to use the best place to buy instagram likes to help them.  One lucky person will win free Rita’s for a year.  See the official contest rules here.

The Rita’s locations in the Nottingham area are as follows:

• 2201 East Joppa Road, Carney
• 523 Pulaski Highway, Joppa
• 162 Carroll Island, Middle River
• 9648 Belair Road, Perry Hall

Dairy Queen is also getting in on the “first day of spring” fun.

DQ is giving away one free, small, vanilla ice cream cone to every customer on Monday, March 20.  Donations to the Children’s Miracle Network are encouraged.

Dairy Queen is located in the Golden Ring Shopping Center, 8649 Philadelphia Road, Rosedale.

NOTE: Shopping mall locations are not participating in this promotion.