SKOWHEGAN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Sunday marks the official start of spring, but Gifford's is celebrating a couple of days early!
Along with a host of new flavors, opening day also means free ice cream for customers! At each stand from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Gifford's will treat customers to a free small (2 scoop) cone.
Manager of the Gifford's stand in Bangor Brittany Woods said it's been a while since they've opened without snow on the ground.
"I think most people have come to know that when Gifford's is opening, we've got one more big snowstorm coming," said Woods.
They normally open the stands mid-March, and even though weather has been mild this year, flakes were falling on their first opening day.
Woods is excited for another successful free cone day. She said they normally get more than 500 people waiting outside in freezing temperatures to get their free frozen treat each year.
"Free cones are something that everyone looks forward to every year. It's also something nice that Gifford's does for those who can't necessarily afford our ice cream for the rest of the year they have a chance to try a new flavor they've been wanting to try," said Woods.
According to their website, the ice cream shop is also unveiling two new flavors, Chocolate Brownie Crunch and I Scream for Cake.
Locals are always excited when their favorite stand is open for the season. For some, opening day is a tradition.
"It's a tradition thing, you know, every Mainer goes and looks forward to in the second or third week of March to go," said Iditha Young, who each year brings a bus full of Maine Veterans to opening day.
Click here to find a Gifford's near you.