The Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances has hatched a plan to bring back the Easter Egg-stravaganza. Even the Easter Bunny himself is egg-cited to make his return to town for the popular family event.
“It’s all been arranged. The Easter Bunny will be there for pictures and to meet all the kids,” said Kiwanis member Diane Maxey. “It’s going to be a really fun event for everyone.”
It’s been a couple of Covid-filled years since the Easter Egg-stravaganza hit town, so here’s a quick refresher: kids of all ages are invited to assemble at Rainy Lake Square at 11:00 a.m. on April 16 – Easter Saturday. You’ll need to register, so bring an adult for all the paperwork. It’s free to join. You just need a local phone number to sign up with. That way the volunteers have a way of contacting you, if you win a prize. (If you’re visiting from out of town, they’d still love you to join – just use the number of the friends or relatives you’re staying with.) Kiwanis volunteers will give all participants a map, showing where to find the Easter goodies. As you pass through the checkpoints, volunteers will stamps your map and fill your basket with treats. Then, just turn in your completed map at the Square by 1:00 p.m. to be eligible for draw prizes. Local businesses have been busy donating loads of goodies and prizes to the event – including a couple bikes and helmets from the Flint House and T Bone Consulting.
The Kiwanis Club asks that you bring your own basket or bag to collect the goodies.
Maxey is hoping to see several hundred kids out. The event had a peak of 800 participants, with 400-500 being typical. With two years of hiatus, the club knows there’s a chance that it may take time to get participation back up to those levels, but they’re hopeful that kids will be as egg-cited as they are to catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny and stock up on goodies.
“It’s such a fun event, and it’s outside, so it’s safe,” said Maxey. “We’re very excited to be able to bring it back again.”
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances is the local chapter of an international organization, which dedicates itself to the betterment of children’s lives. Their fundraising efforts support a variety of initiatives, including summer camps, the 4-H Club and food security programs for families. You’ll see them at BBQ’s, dressed up at the annual Trunk or Treat, and this past year, they had a blast as the new organizers of the Santa Claus Parade.
