The 12th-annual Easter Eggstravaganza, hosted by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and underwritten by Honor Credit Union, McDonald’s Restaurant and Kappa Beta Sorority, gets underway at 10 a.m. this Saturday in the central business district.

Jessica Kehrer, event chairman, said Honor Credit Union has been a proud sponsor of the springtime children’s event for the past four years, during which time staff members have served as on-site volunteers.  “Honor Credit Union strives to make a positive impact in our community.  Members of our staff enjoy participating in community activities and each year we look forward to the Easter celebration.”

The old-fashioned Easter egg hunt and related activities will be held in and around Beckwith Park, and across the street at Who Knew? Consignment, where children can visit with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The city’s Department of Public Safety is co-hosting the event that features the annual “Be a Bunny” costume contest at 11:30 a.m. at Beckwith Park.  Kehrer said costumed bunnies and their parents should gather beneath the Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand beginning at 11:15 for the contest that awards prizes for the best overall costume, most colorful and most original.

Costumed characters, along with 74th Miss Dowagiac Amanda Hassle and her court will be on hand to greet children.

“Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras and invited to take pictures of their children as they visit with the Easter Bunny at Who Knew? Consignment, prior to and after the Easter egg hunt,” Kehrer said.

Kehrer and her volunteers have stuffed 8,000 pieces of wrapped candy and trinkets into the 4,000 brightly-colored plastic eggs that will await youngsters that morning.  Staff and volunteers of the city’s Department of Public Services will help set up the egg hunt. Kehrer said the first 250 children to meet the Easter Bunny will also receive a free springtime activity set, courtesy of Kappa Beta Sorority and a complimentary “bag-sket” to use at the egg hunt from Who Knew? Consignment.

Children, ages two to five, will hunt for their eggs within the Beckwith Park beginning at noon.  The Easter egg hunt for children, ages six to 10, will be held on the Depot Drive lawn way, behind the park.  Lawn games and chalk art will keep families entertained while they wait for the egg hunt to start.

“Traditionally, Easter Eggstravaganza marks the official arrival of springtime to our community,” Kehrer said.  In case of thunderstorms or snow, activities will be held on March 30 at the same time.