DOWAGIAC — While Dowagiac has its fair share of holiday traditions, one that stands out for its inclusive nature is the Easter Eggstravaganza.

On Saturday, Dowagiac will celebrate the 19th annual Easter celebration with candy, Easter Bunny photos and, of course, an egg hunt.

Punny names aside, community holiday traditions are a must for the health and wellbeing of any town, something Angela Johnson, owner of Lifestyle Nutrition, knows something about. Johnson is a lifelong resident of Dowagiac and grew up with many community traditions that still stand out in her mind as she raises her own family.

“I want my son to be raised the same way I was and see it’s important to volunteer,” Johnson said.

The 19th annual Easter Eggstravaganza is the first Johnson has organized with her new business, Lifestyle Nutrition, and her participation is indicative of her commitment and nostalgia for her hometown, she said.

Lifestyle Nutrition opened in July 2018 and was approached by the Dowagiac Area Chamber of Commerce with the possibility of hosting. Johnson gladly accepted the responsibility not only to contribute to a valued community event, but also to emphasize community health and wellness.

“I was asked if I would like to [organize] as a new business,” Johnson said. “We just came here to get the community healthy. We want to keep the community healthy, but it’s people we want to influence, and that’s everyone in the community.”

Johnson owns Lifestyle Nutrition, a shop that sells varieties of health shakes and teas. But Lifestyle Nutrition’s participation in organizing the Easter event has more to do with community health as a result of volunteer participation than the health of food consumption, Johnson said. She sees businesses being involved in their communities as an essential example of stewardship.

“It’s who we are what we’re trying to do,” Johnson said. “I’ve worked for other places that were not so involved, and we do want to be involved in the community.”

The Lifestyle Nutrition team has worked to stuff some 4,000 eggs with chocolate and other sweet treats for Saturday’s Easter egg hunt. Saturday will be a day full of games, prizes for children, costume contests and more. Aside from what Lifestyle Nutrition is bringing for the Easter celebration, the shop has also worked with and donated to other community efforts, according to Johnson.

Fostering community togetherness is paramount for Johnson as she and her team prepare for Saturday, she said.

“It brings everybody together for one common event,” she said. “I have enjoyed the team coming together and volunteering. It’s been really cool to see this group come together for this.”

Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. at City Hall Park with visits with the Easter Bunny. The event will feature the annual “Be a Bunny” costume contest at 11:45 a.m. Costumed bunnies and their parents can gather at the front entrance to City Hall, beginning at 11:30 for the contest that awards prizes for the best overall costume, most colorful and most original. Costumed characters, along with Miss Dowagiac Juliana Stanger and her Court of Honor, will be on hand to greet children.

The Easter egg hunt begins at noon for children between the ages two to 10 years old.  Children up to age five will hunt for eggs on the lawn in front of City Hall, while ages six to 10 will search for eggs within City Hall Park. 

The springtime celebration has been underwritten by Booth’s Country Florist & Gifts, Eckman Chiropractic Clinic, Deck the Halls, Honor Credit Union, Miss Michele & Co. and  Who Knew? Consignment.

In case of rain, activities will be hosted on Saturday, April 20.