Harlem plans event for Saturday in park

With Easter coming earlier than usual this year, Columbia County residents also can celebrate a certain rabbit's arrival soon.

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Harlem is holding its annual Easter egg hunt at Harlem City Park on Saturday in conjunction with Family Connections of Columbia County.

"We usually have a pretty good turnout," said Denise Carter, an event organizer. "The kids love to hang around afterwards and play the games."

The Easter egg hunt begins at 11 a.m. on the park's baseball field. After the hunt, children can participate in a variety of games and activities until 2 p.m.

"The sack race is always a big hit," Carter said.

The egg hunt is designed for pupils in elementary school. Children will be divided into three age groups to search for about 3,000 eggs, she said.

Parents can take a picture of their children with the Easter Bunny, or they can pick up the mementos during the following week at Harlem City Hall.

The egg hunt is free for all to attend.

"We always provide snacks and drinks free of charge while they're out there," Carter said.

In addition to Harlem's Easter celebration, Columbia County will begin its 14th annual Easter Egg Scramble at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22.

In previous years, the egg hunt was held at Patriots Park. The event has moved this year to Blanchard Woods Park.

Children will be split into four age groups in search of more than 8,000 eggs filled with candy or small toys.

After the hunt, the crowd can listen to the music of Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band.

"While they're sitting there looking at their eggs, they can be entertained," said Stacie Adkins, the county's community events manager.

Adkins said she expects about 1,000 people to show up, most of them children.

Admission is free, but participants are asked to bring their own baskets. Parents also should bring a camera to snap shots of their children with the Easter Bunny.

The event will be postponed until 2 p.m. Easter Sunday if the weather is unfavorable.

"I just think as long as we have good weather," Adkins said, "people can bring a picnic, have an Easter egg hunt, eat a sandwich and listen to music, and it'll be great."

She said that they have many volunteers working at the Scramble but that more helpers always are welcome.

Those wishing to volunteer can contact Adkins at (706) 312-7191.