Easter Fun Day
An enjoyable and worthwhile community event for the whole family
Here in Prescott, there used to be two separate, small Easter events for the town’s children. It didn’t seem necessary to have both events in such a small town so, in 2008, with a larger facility available, and permission and help from the local shop owner who used to host one of the events, we decided to combine them into one. Easter Fun Day (EFD) found a new home at our local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97. With the help of a few legion members, a couple of friends and in partnership with the local food bank, we contacted local businesses to become sponsors. We designed flyers with a colouring page on the reverse side advertising EFD, which were given to children in the local elementary and preschools and posted throughout town. We created decorations (most of which are still in use) and decorated the hall. We had activity tables, a colouring contest, a bake table, games, live entertainment and an Easter egg hunt. Attendance and participation was great.
A few local merchants and businesses also made either financial or gift donations. They were very supportive and generous. We bought cellophane wrap and Easter baskets and filled each one with a stuffed animal, a storybook, an activity book, small games and toys, and plastic eggs filled with chocolate eggs. Larger gifts went on the door prize tables. To thank the sponsors, we made “eggs” out of a variety of coloured bristol board, on which we wrote their names, before displaying them on the west wall. On the tables below the sponsors’ eggs, we placed the filled Easter baskets.
To prepare for EFD, my team of eight volunteers sort through donations throughout the year. The items include stuffed animals, games, books and toys. They are often brand new, some with tags still attached, while others are slightly used. All donations are inspected and cleaned. All donations are very much appreciated and go directly into this event and back to the community. EFD is a total community effort.
In addition to the donated items, the financial donations we receive enable us to buy other new items to add to the baskets. My “shoppers” are very frugal in what they purchase. Yard sales are a popular place to buy from.
This year, the tradition will continue. The family-oriented event will include a number of Easter- and springtime-themed activities, games and live entertainment. We’re organizing an arts and crafts table, face painting, a colouring contest and games. We will also have visitors guess the number of
jelly beans in one jar and the number of chocolate eggs in another. The winner gets to take home the respective jar and a special plush animal. A lunch consisting of hot dogs, potato chips and juice boxes is going to be offered.
As you’d expect, the Easter bunny usually works his way through the crowd, passing out Easter eggs. In addition, we’ll also have Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as other special friends roaming around and posing for pictures. As a finale each year, there is professional live entertainment, such as a magic show, storytellers and singalongs—all very popular endings to an awesome day. Our team of volunteers started preparing baskets for this year’s event in February. For a few days prior to the holiday Easter weekend, the legion hall—as always—will be ready for Easter. The hall will be decorated; the sponsors’ “eggs” placed; and the Easter baskets and door prizes put on display so that the community can see their donations have all be been used towards this fun and worthwhile event.
On the day of the event, there will be about 40 volunteers, who do an amazing job with their respective duties and keep the whole event running smoothly. Our local Air Cadets always manage the game area and hand out prizes to all. In appreciation, each volunteer receives a complimentary lunch and a large chocolate Easter bunny.
Over the last few years, sponsorship has kept growing—almost 100 sponsors now contribute. Donations are increasing, too, and the crowd now numbers around 200. Dignitaries such as our MP Gord Brown and MPP Steve Clark, as well as our Mayor Brett Todd attend to show their support.
Held on the Saturday of the holiday weekend, Easter Fun Day has grown from its meagre beginnings and low attendance into a major, megapopular community event enjoyed by all.