By Bill Robinson
Senior News Writer
RICHMOND — The Easter Bunny is coming to Richmond’s Irvine-McDowell Park on April 3, thanks to the generosity of his Richmond helpers.
The 25th edition of the Richmond Parks and Recreation’s “Eggstravganza” was in doubt because of city government’s budget crisis. With no public funds available, the event that has drawn as many as 6,000 people to the park the day before Easter the past 24 years would have been canceled without $6,000 in private donations.
The parks and recreation department’s annual Boo Bash prior to Halloween was canceled for lack of funds.
Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center stepped up to be the principal sponsor of the Eggstravaganza, said Erin Moore, the park department’s assistant director.
“We’re very appreciative of Pattie A. Clay’s generosity,” Moore said, “and I’m sure the children and their families will be too. Special thanks also should go to Meijer and Richmond Centre, which also contributed substantially to the Eggstravaganza.”
In addition to the main sponsor and two larger donors, about 20 other businesses, individuals and civic groups also contributed to the event, Moore said.
Pattie A. Clay spokesperson Jill Williams said the medical center did not want to see an event that brings so much joy to so many children be canceled.
“Children have been looking forward to Richmond’s Easter Eggstravaganza for a quarter of a century,” Williams said, “and we didn’t want to see the tradition end.”
All of the popular attractions of the Eggstravaganza will be back this year, she said, including the giant inflatables, the petting zoo and $3 pony rides, the McHargue Cloggers and cartoon characters who will roam the park greeting children and posing for photos. Of course, the Eastern Bunny will be there, too.
At 11:30 a.m. children 3 and under will hunt for eggs on the parks upper softball field, followed by 4- and 5-year-olds at noon, ages 6-7 at 12:30 p.m. and ages 8-10 at 1 p.m.
The Easter Bunny will be making home visits inside the city limits the afternoon of April 3, accompanied by a Richmond Police officer and a member of the parks and recreation staff. Parents inside the city who want to the Easter Bunny to visit should call the parks and recreation department at 623-8753 by Monday, March 29. The cost is $15 for the first child in a household and $5 each additional child.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@
richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
