By Staff
Easter Eggstravaganza's old-fashioned egg hunt returns to the Grand Old City Saturday, March 19.
Hosted by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, the springtime celebration is co-sponsored by Midwest Energy Cooperative in Cassopolis, Kappa Beta Sorority, Dowagiac Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service and Felpausch Food Center.
Phillipson explained as a volunteer and non-profit organization, the Chamber is continually challenged by the need to establish new partnerships within the community to fund such seasonal events as Easter Eggstravaganza, Fun Fest, the Rod and Roll Classic Auto Show, fireworks and Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration and Candlelight Christmas Parade.
Midwest Energy Cooperative serves approximately 26,000 members in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana, and 6,000 in southeast Michigan and northern Ohio.
Phillipson said soon after Midwest Energy offered its assistance, Patty Booth, owner of Booth's Country Florist and a long-time Chamber member, enlisted her sorority, Kappa Beta, to also become a co-sponsor of the 2005 event.
Booth said her sorority has since agreed to fund the purchase of the 200 coloring books that will be handed out by the Easter Bunny.
They will also be on hand during the celebration to provide on-site as sistance for the Easter egg hunt and children's games, which will be held at Beckwith Park.
Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 19, opens at 11:30 a.m. with the "Be a Bunny" Costume Contest, which will be judged by Miss Dowagiac Courtney Dufour and her court.
Children dressed as an Easter Bunny will compete for first-, second- and third-place awards.
The old-fashioned Easter egg hunt begins at noon and will be staged within Beckwith Park and on the lawn off Depot Drive, between Beeson and Commercial streets.
The egg hunt for youngsters ages 1-3 will be held on the lawn way, as the egg hunt for older children, ages 4-7, will be held within the park.
Phillipson said parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
The Easter Bunny will be available to meet with children at the Haggin-Wimberley bandstand from noon to 2 p.m., where pictures can be taken by parents and springtime coloring books will be handed out to the first 200 youngsters.
Following the Easter egg hunt, from noon to 2 p.m., children will also enjoy chalk art, face painting, springtime games and will be able to make a take-home crafts project.
Easter Eggstravaganza events are open to the public free of charge.
In case of bad weather, the celebration will be moved to the following Saturday.