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Easter for fun and giving back

This Easter weekend in Penticton and area is all about having fun and giving back.
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The Easter Bunny gets some help from Aleigha Chaffey and Liam Marques at the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre in preparation for the upcoming East Fun Day and Egg Hunt beside LocoLanding and at the SS Sicamous, Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with proceeds to the centre. Mark Brett/Western News

This Easter weekend in Penticton and area is all about having fun and giving back.

Heading the list of popular Easter activities for a good cause is the once again, bigger and better, seventh annual LocoLanding Easter Egg Hunt and Fun Day taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Easter Bunny is tentatively scheduled to arrive with the usual lights and fanfare aboard a Penticton Fire Rescue truck.

“I love it (seeing kids hunting for eggs) and every year I look forward to it,” said LocoLanding owner Diana Sterling. “It’s also a kick off to our season as well for our staff so we’re all pretty pumped to see all of the kids there.”

Following Bunny’s arrival the egg hunts begins in the park adjacent to LocoLanding as well as inside the SS Sicamous for the more than 12,000 treat-packed eggs.

“I don’t think it’s (Sicamous egg hunt) as well known and that’s always a big highlight for people when they find out,” said Sterling. “So there are actually two egg hunts, one on the field and the other on the Sicamous which makes it pretty exciting for kids to find eggs tucked away in a historic boat.

“It’s looking fantastic. We’ve got more companies involved, helping out with the craft stations and other activities and so there are just tons of things for kids to do.”

Youth from the community work the event as volunteers which is something else Sterling believes is important.

The requested donation is $5 per child, all of which goes to the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre.

“That’s part of the reason why this is so popular is because you get so much fun for not very much money,” said Sterling. “And we as a company like to align with any organization that is helping families in the Okanagan and the OSNS is so fantastic for what they do for families in Penticton and the area.

“I think all of the families that come here enjoy and appreciate it. It really is a community event. It’s one of those where everybody comes together to make it a tradition.”

LocoLanding Aventure Park will also be open on that day with discounted rates.

Executive Director Manisha Willms of OSNS is someone else who looks forward to the fun day each year.

“We are a big fan of activities that bring together a diversity of people to enjoy family time,” said Willms. “The LocoLanding Easter Fun Day and Egg Hunt does just that.

“It’s a truly wonderful event with all the elements of fun and celebration … happy, happy everywhere. Kids hunting for eggs, families making bunny hats, colouring, eating and so much more.”

She also expressed her appreciation to the Sterling family for its support of the centre’s developmental programs and dedication to the community.

Liquidity Wines’ grownup-themed egg hunt opens the vineyard on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. for those who are kids-at-heart to explore at their leisure. Participants can search for “scrumptious” treats, coupons, surprises and other items within the lush tangle of grapevines. A pre-search wine tasting and Easter brunch for the whole family is taking place at the Liquidity Bistro.

The Easter Eggstravaganza is being held at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Hang out with the Easter Bunny or there is crafts, carnival games, a bouncy castle, faceprinting and treats for the kids will be handed out.