Easter weekend will bring several family-friendly events to St. James, from egg hunts to Easter Bunny visits. Organizations across the community are hosting activities on April 4, offering opportunities for children and families to celebrate throughout the day.

The St. James Caring Center and Kiwanis Club will kick off the morning with a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event at 9 a.m., which is free and open to the public. Families are invited to bring children for a pancake and sausage breakfast, a visit with the Easter Bunny and crafts at the Caring Center.

“We look forward to welcoming our community to this joyful annual tradition,” Executive Director Nancy Montgomery said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a warm breakfast, fun activities and quality time together.”

The James Memorial Public Library will host its second annual Bunny Rabbit Storytime and Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.    Children are invited to enjoy a bunny-themed storytime, followed by an egg hunt in the St. James Park. Kids will also get to decorate wooden eggs to take home.

Unlike traditional egg hunts, the library’s event is candy-free and designed to be allergy and sensory friendly. Eggs will contain coins that can be spent at the library’s “Trading Post.” Lemonade and cookies will be provided and families should bring a basket for their children.

Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to RSVP by marking themselves as “attending” on the event’s Facebook page so the library can plan to make enough eggs and treats available.

Afternoon egg hunt at Sports Club

The popular Sports Club Easter Egg Hunt is returning to Nelson Hart Park this year on April 4 at 1 p.m. Thousands of eggs will be scattered across the ball fields, giving kids plenty of opportunities to win prizes.

The event is for ages 12 and under and will be split into age groups to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt for everyone. Groups are divided into two and under, three- and four-year-olds, five- and six-year-olds, seven- and eight-year-olds, nine- and 10-year-olds and 11- and 12-year olds.

Kids will need to spread out on the boundary of the field before their age group’s hunt begins. The egg hunts are usually over within two minutes, so families are encouraged to come out early to get a spot in time for the starting horn.

Inside of the eggs will be candy and slips of paper indicating a winning ticket for that age group’s grand prize. Participants are encouraged to open all of their eggs before leaving the park so they can claim their prizes.

The Easter Bunny will be in attendance to take photos with and present prizes. The public is invited to come out and watch the excitement. Sports Club members will help organize participants and hand out prizes.

Photograph your hunt

In addition to the April 4 events, St. James Parks and Recreation is currently hosting its Hunt the Easter Bunny scavenger hunt, which ends on April 6 at noon. Community members can search through town for the Easter Bunny, which will be “hopping around” various locations. 

Once the Easter Bunny has been located, snap a photo with it to share on Facebook using the hashtag #IFoundTheStJamesEasterBunny. Scan the QR code on the bunny to confirm your find and unlock a clue to the next location. There will also be clues posted on the event’s Facebook page.

Those who find all of the Easter Bunny’s hiding spots will be entered to win an Easter basket prize.