Kroger adds nostalgic sweetness to the Summer Solstice with 45,000 free pints of ice cream

There are many signs summer has arrived. Pools become more populated. Smoky barbecues infuse the air. And highways become packed with families going on vacation. But the most telling sign of summer's arrival: ice cream. And Kroger has a special offer featuring the delicious treat for the longest day of the year on Thursday... They're giving away thousands of free pints.

In honor of Summer Solstice, the popular supermarket chain is celebrating with an ice cream giveaway. Kroger is giving away 50 pints of free Kroger Brand ice cream per minute for each of the 15 hours of sunlight, equating to 45,000 pints of ice cream. The promotion is said to be created as an effort to get people in the summer spirit.

"Summer means more time with family, more time by the pool and more time indulging in our favorite treats, and nothing says a perfect summer day like sunshine and Kroger Brand ice cream," said Juan De Paoli, vice president of Our Brands for Kroger in a press release provided to Guilty Eats.

If this interests you, you can visit Kroger's website to claim a free pint of ice cream via a limited-time single-use digital coupon, available for download exclusively on June 20 while supplies last. Some of the flavors included are the popular Tie Dye Burst, as well as classics like Mint Chocolate Chip and Vivid Vanilla. Also, check if your state is part of the promotion, as some didn't make the list.

Unfortunately for me, my state won't be able to take advantage of this promo. I guess I will have to settle for full-price ice cream -- or hope the ice cream truck circles my neighborhood and I can relive my childhood.

Oh well! I probably don't need to eat any more ice cream anyway. But happy Summer Solstice! Don't forget to grab some free ice cream as you celebrate the extended light in the sky.