The Easter Bunny is hopping into 100 Mile House on Saturday, April 15 and will be hiding chocolate eggs and prizes for children in the ball fields at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre.
Hosted by the 100 Mile Free Press and Canlan Ice Sports, the second annual Easter Egg Hunt is a free community event that welcomes all children ages 12 and under to bring their basket and search for eggs at the Lumberman's Park ball field.
There will also be a face-painting station and the Easter Bunny has promised to stop by for a visit with the kids.
Martina Dopf, 100 Mile Free Press publisher and co-organizer for the event, says the Easter Bunny will have hidden lots of chocolate eggs scattered across the ball fields, as well as some special plastic eggs holding tickets for prizes – including two bicycles.
There will be different times set for two age groups, starting with the smaller children up to six years of age at 11:30 a.m. and then older children, ages seven to 12, will begin at noon, she explains.
"The business community has been fantastic once again this year supporting this event," says Dopf.
"Regency Chrysler is donating the two bicycles – one for each age group – and we have had several other local businesses coming forward with prize donations, making this an exciting event once again."
In case these youngsters need lunch to avoid over-indulging in chocolate treats or their parents get hungry, the 100 Mile Lions will be on hand with a hot dog concession.
Children up to 12 years old will get a free hot dog and juice or water. Parents pay $2 for the hot dog and $1 for water or juice.
Her co-organizer, Canlan program/sales co-ordinator Laura Albert, says this children's event was extremely fun and popular last year, especially for a first-time event, and drew about 125 children, plus their parents.
"Responses to last year's event have been fantastic."
There are even more people in the community asking if there will be an Easter Egg Hunt happening again this year, she adds.
"Bring your kids to come and see the Easter Bunny. This year could be even bigger and better."
While both co- organizers thank all the event's sponsors, Dopf credits Albert's help with "hunting" for Easter goodies in the first place by dashing around town gathering the donations.
The Rec. Centre and ball fields are located on Wrangler Way, just west of Cariboo Highway 97 behind the South Cariboo Rec. Centre's parking lot.