DOWAGIAC – Dowagiac children will have a chance to celebrate Easter early this weekend.

The 19th annual Easter Eggstravaganza, hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and organized by Lifestyle Nutrition, will be hosted Saturday, April 6, at City Hall Park.  Chairing this year’s event from Lifestyle Nutrition is Angela Johnson.   

The event features the annual “Be a Bunny” costume contest at 11:45 a.m. Johnson said costumed bunnies and their parents should 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.

“Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras and are invited to take pictures of their children as they visit with the Easter Bunny, beginning at 10:30 [a.m.],” Johnson said.   

Staff and volunteers of the city’s Department of Public Services will help set up the egg hunt. Also working with Lifestyle Nutrition have been Chamber representatives Dr. Timothy Dowsett and Vickie Phillipson.

The Easter egg hunt begins at noon for children ages two to 10.  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.  Children will also enjoy games and cookie decorating.

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.

“Traditionally, Easter Eggstravaganza marks the official arrival of springtime to our community,” Johnson said. 

In case of rain, activities will be hosted Saturday, April 20. The celebration is one of several seasonal events of the Chamber of Commerce.