By Staff
Easter Eggstravaganza's old-fashioned Easter egg hunt returns to the Grand Old City on Saturday, March 31.
Hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, the sixth springtime celebration is being co-sponsored by Midwest Energy Cooperative in Cassopolis, Kappa Beta Sorority and the Dowagiac Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service.
The announcement of this year's corporate sponsors was made Tuesday by Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority, who is organizing the event.
"We are, indeed, grateful to Midwest Energy Cooperative in Cassopolis, which agreed for the third consecutive year to help the Chamber of Commerce underwrite the cost of the 5,500-piece Easter egg hunt," Phillipson said.
"As a member-owned cooperative, Midwest Energy feels it is important that we give back to our community and also support these types of family-oriented projects," said Patty Nowlin, communications manager.
Nowlin said Midwest Energy Cooperative serves approximately 26,000 members in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana and 6,000 in southeast Michigan and northern Ohio.
Also returning for a third year as a corporate sponsor of Easter Eggstravaganza is Kappa Beta of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of Dowagiac.
Phillipson said Kappa Beta is helping to underwrite the cost of springtime coloring books that will be distributed to children who attend the celebration.
"The Chamber of Commerce is also pleased to have the opportunity to again work on this project with the Dowagiac Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service," Phillipson said. Fire and ambulance personnel have agreed to transport the costumed Easter Bunny to the downtown celebration on a fire truck and also provide on-site volunteers to help run the egg hunt.
Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 31, opens at 11:30 a.m. with the "Be a Bunny" Costume Contest, which will be judged by Miss Dowagiac Sara Ausra and her court.
Children dressed as an Easter Bunny will compete for first-, second- and third-place awards.
The 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 to 3 will be held on the lawn.
The egg hunt for older children, ages 4 to 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 Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand from noon to 1 p.m.
Parents can take family pictures as Miss Dowagiac and the Easter Bunny distribute springtime coloring books to youngsters.
Following the Easter egg hunt from noon to 1 p.m., children will also enjoy chalk art and springtime lawn games provided by Chamber staff and the Miss Dowagiac court.
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. To receive a schedule of events, call the Chamber at (269) 782-8212.