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A sweet tradition for the first day of spring

Newswatch 16's Melissa Steininger shares how people braved the cold to line up for a free sweet treat in Luzerne County.

KINGSTON, Pa. — It's a sure sign of spring as Josie's Custard and Italian Ice in Kingston celebrates the first day of the season with free gelato. 

The family owned business has been keeping with tradition for generations.

"You're going to get both which is the custard. Regular Ice cream doesn't even compare anymore with how good the custard is. Then, the Italian ice, like I said, is homemade by the owners," said Courtney Cimakosky, Josie's Custard and Italian Ice store manager.

People, young and old, are waiting to get the first taste of their favorite flavors. 

"The rainbow flavor. It tastes like a bomb pop," said Marquis Bradford, Wilkes-Barre.

And While it's officially spring it doesn't exactly feel like it.

But Josie's says it's ready for Mother Nature's tricks this time of year. 

"We're not unused to this. It snowed one year it's been nice one year. People still come out no matter what we do," said Cimakosky.

That bitter cold weather wasn't stopping people from lining up along Wyoming Avenue. 

"They haven't been open in a while, so it just gives us something to do around here with him on a day like this," said Desiree Brown, Wilkes-Barre.

Some even say it makes the frozen treat that much sweeter. 

"It's really fun to eat ice cream on a cold day because your ice cream is already cold, and it's extra freezing," said Bradford.

Josie's is giving away free gelato until 9 p.m. Tuesday night.

‼️IT’S BACK!‼️ Come celebrate the 1st Day of Spring with Josie’s Frozen Custard! Tomorrow 11:30-9, March 19, we will be giving away FREE MEDIUM GELATIS!

Posted by Josie's Frozen Custard & Italian Ice of Kingston, PA on Monday, March 18, 2024

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