Not long ago, DCist bemoaned the lack of a snowball stand in D.C. Now we’ve got word that slushy treats with fruity flavors will be served in D.C. starting on Monday. While many DCist readers pointed out that there are many such refreshing summer sweets to be found in the greater Washington area, Rita’s, which also has a branch on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, serves genuine Philly-style water ice. And it has a prime spot in a traditionally underserved location, at 2318 Rhode Island Ave. NE.

Although we haven’t tried it yet, Rita’s sounds promising. Not only does it serve water, or Italian, ices in such flavors as black cherry, mango and strawberry, you can also get “cream ice” (an airier version of ice cream) and “gelati” (frozen custard layered with Italian ice or cream ice).

Started in South Philadelphia by a former firefighter in the ’80s, these days there are locations up and down the East Coast — and now the District of Columbia. For fans of swag, the first 30 customers on Monday after 5 p.m. get a free T-shirt; Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can get 50% off certain products. Then on Friday, they’re pulling out all the stops with Classic Car Night.

Welcome Rita’s — you may not serve classic snowballs, but thanks for thinking of us.