Free and frozen are in the forecast for the first day of spring.

Wednesday is Dairy Queen's fifth annual Free Cone Day and the chain is giving away free small vanilla soft-serve cones.

The event, which runs all day while supplies last at participating Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill stores, also serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

"We love that our tradition of Free Cone Day has become synonymous with return of warmer weather and bringing people together," Maria Hokanson, executive vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "We know the start of soft-serve season brings joy to our fans, and we can't wait to help spread smiles."

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There is a limit of one free cone per person and mall locations are not participating. Long lines are expected.

Dairy Queen has a deal after Free Cone Day, too: Get a small regular or dipped soft serve cone for 50 cents March 21-31 with the chain's mobile app. Download the app at www.dairyqueen.com/app.

Rita's Italian Ice freebie

The first day of spring also is a traditional freebie day at Rita's Italian Ice.

It's the Pennsylvania-based company's 27th annual first day of spring giveaway, which will take place during regular hours Wednesday. Most stores are open noon to 9 p.m.

The company expects to give away more than 1 million cups of free Italian ices at its more than 600 locations.

“Ice Storm Rita will bring many amazing flavors of Italian Ice to Rita’s guests all over the country,” Linda Chadwick, president and CEO of Rita’s, said in a statement. “The First Day of Spring is just a small way to show our appreciation to guests and celebrate the product that made us who we are today.”

Limit one free promotional-size cup per customer. Customers can choose to add a custard topper for an extra charge.

There's also a chance to win free Rita’s Ice for a year. The company said they're looking for a "superfan who shows how excited they are for the First Day of Spring and posts a picture to social media using #RitasFirstDayofSpringContest."

The contest will be held on Rita's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. ET Friday.

Upcoming frozen freebies

Mark your calendars for two more Free Cone Days.

Ben & Jerry's will hold its Free Cone Day on April 9. Then Häagen-Dazs Shops' event is May 14.

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Follow Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko