dairy-queen
Participating Dairy Queen shops are giving out free vanilla ice cream cones. Reuters

Most people receive presents for their birthday, but not Dairy Queen. The fast-food giant is giving out free ice cream cones Tuesday to celebrate its 76th anniversary. That’s right. Dairy Queen is giving out freebies to mark another year — and to get us into summer mindset.

Getting a free 5-ounce vanilla cone is pretty easy. All you have to do is go to your local participating Dairy Queen and ask for one. No purchase necessary. It lasts all day long and there is a limit of one cone per person. Click here to find the Dairy Queen nearest you.

Those who follow Dairy Queen on Twitter might have already heard about the promotion. The chain penned the tag “#FreeConeDay” in honor of the unofficial holiday. #FreeConeDay isn’t just about Dairy Queen’s birthday. It’s also about welcoming summer.

It might not be the only chance to get a free dessert at DQ. Last year, Barry Westrum, executive vice president of marketing for the legendary chain, said the free cone promotion could last more than just a day. "We will surprise and delight our fans year-round with food and treat innovations that they have come to expect from us," Westrum said in a press release, according to the Huffington Post. "We’re extending the celebration beyond Free Cone Day because it’s about more than just one day."

Like most establishments these days, Dairy Queen also has a Snapchat account. To follow their story, simply click on the link they provide on their Twitter page, or scan the code on your phone.

Last year, #FreeConeDay quickly became a top-trending topic on social media. Don’t forget to take pictures of your delicious treat before it’s devoured so you can share photos fellow netizens.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella