Easter Bunny visits Pittsburg on Thursday, Saturday

By Emma Lee

Anyone in downtown Pittsburg March 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. will surely find joy-filled children going from store to store in search of little, plastics eggs filled with candy, coupons and other prizes.  
Pittsburg is hosting its first-ever downtown Easter egg hunt thanks to the idea of two Pittsburg community members,  Sharon Matthews of Sassy Girls and Holly McGraw of Pittsburg Floral and Weddings.
The two plan to use the event to bring the community of Pittsburg together and show children the importance of being a part of a community.
Businesses will either have a basket containing eggs filled with special treats in the front of their store to pass out, or they may hide the eggs throughout the store for the children to find.
All children are welcome to come downtown and search for the eggs. There are no registration fees or sign ups required.
Local churches are also welcome to come downtown and pass out their own eggs while spreading the message of the true meaning of Easter.
This is the first year for this event, but it is expected to be resurrected as an annual event for Pittsburg.
Many downtown merchants will be open that night to accommodate those young Easter egg hunters. Several businesses outside the downtown area will participate as well. They will either set up on the sidewalk or in other businesses that are open.
“We hope that the participation will grow throughout the years and eventually get as big as downtown Halloween,” said Mrs. McGraw.

Other Easter Egg Hunts: The Easter Bunny will be busy making deliveries to Pittsburg Saturday for the Easter egg hunts planned throughout the day. He will even stick around for photo ops at the first event.
 

Farmstead Museum
The fun kicks off at 9 Saturday morning with an Easter egg hunt at The Farmstead Museum on Mount Pleasant Street. This is open to children 5 and under.
Children can have their picture made with the Easter Bunny for $2.
Fanny Hively, executive director of the museum, encourages parents to bring the children to this event, or any of the other Easter events planned over the weekend.
“First Baptist Church is just down the street from the museum, and the Easter egg hunt there begins at 11,” Mrs. Hively said. “Many other churches and organizations are having events that day as well. It’s just good, old-fashioned family fun.”

First Baptist
Children will be divided into two age groups to hunt Easter eggs at First Baptist Church. Toddlers through kindergarten age children will hunt together, as will those in first through sixth grades.
The Easter egg hunt begins at 11 a.m., followed by a family picnic. Everyone is invited.
Abundant Life
Abundant Life Christian Center’s festivities get under way at noon at the city park. Organizers will host an Easter egg hunt and praise and worship service from noon until 2 p.m. Hot dogs and chips will be served.

First Pentecostal
There is also an Easter egg hunt Saturday afternoon. First Pentecostal Church of Pittsburg Full Gospel’s Easter egg hunt is set for 1 p.m. Church members say all children are invited to attend.

State Park
Everyone is also invited to an Easter egg hunt at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. The hunt begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at the day-use area.
Adult entrance fee to the park is $4; children 12 and under are admitted free.