Free Slurpee Day 2012: 7-Eleven Locations in New York City

Today is July 11 and 7-Eleven convenience stores are celebrating a big birthday. As the store chain turns 85 today, they're giving away free Slurpees to their customers.

To celebrate their 85^th anniversary, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m on July 11, 7-Eleven will be giving out free 7.11-oz. Slurpees. Not only is it the store's birthday, but the iconic frozen Slurpee itself turns 45 today and the stores plan to give out around seven million for free this year, a whole five million more than last year. The store has been doing this promotion since 2002.

To prepare for the occasion, almost all 7-Eleven stores stock up with at least 1,000 extra cups and three extra barrels of Slurpee mix. Extra employees are also on duty today to help serve customers who will be waiting on lines going out the door at many locations.

New York City, which will be getting 30 new 7-Eleven stores over the year, has several locations where Slurpee fans can get their free beverage today and they're ready to take on the crowds.

"We are changing it up this year, though, so that the staff makes the Slurpees and hands them to customers rather than customers making the Slurpees themselves," Raj Gopal, manager of the 7-Eleven on 8^th avenue in Manhattan told Metro New York.

Some flavors to choose from, depending on the location, are watermelon lime, Mountain Dew, strawberry banana, lemon creme, Dr. Pepper, Coca Cola, white cherry, and pina colada.

To find stores near you, check out the 7-Eleven's store locator. Try to call the store nearest you to find out if they're participating in the promotion.

Here are several locations in the New York City area where you can pick up a free Slurpee today.

Manhattan

247 Third Avenue

535 8th Avenue