Local communities to celebrate Easter

By Lauren Zaepfel

Tribune Editor

Easter celebrations are popping up in the community. Children's activities, including parties, egg hunts, and, of course, visits with the Easter Bunny, will take place Saturday, April 8.

Local events include:

•The Town of Wheatfield will hold its annual Easter party from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at the Youth Center, 2795 Church Road. Family-friendly games and activities will be offered throughout the party.

"Our color scheme, theme and activities will change from year to year, but our staff's energy will remain high, as per usual," said Mike Ranalli, recreation direction for the Town of Wheatfield. "We jam as much as we can in the two-hour window of seeing the Easter Bunny, enjoying refreshments, playing games and making memories with friends and family."

Ranalli said the event gives the recreation department "an opportunity to highlight current and future events, along with bringing residents together to welcome the spring and summer seasons."

Also, the Easter party signifies the unofficial opening of summer camp, he said, as registration begins Monday, April 10.

For more information, visit http://wheatfield.ny.us/159/Recreation.

•The Town of Niagara will also host its Easter party on Saturday, April 8, at the Calvin K. Richards Senior/Youth Activity Center in Veteran's Memorial Community Park, 7000 Lockport Road.

The party is open to children age 6 and under, from 10 a.m. to noon, and to children age 7 and up from 12:30-2:30 p.m. To sign up for the party, call 716-297-5243, ext. 1.

Featured will be arts and crafts, an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

New this year will be a live performance by entertainer Nels Ross of "In Jest" Shows, Keynotes & More.

"We have worked with him (Ross) in the past, and he works so well with the kids," said Jonathan Haseley, youth, recreation and parks director for the Town of Niagara. "He does juggling, comedy and balancing acts."

During the event, food packages will also be available for purchase.

Haseley said, "Our Easter party, like our other holiday parties, offers the families of our community a safe and friendly environment where they can enjoy quality time together."

He also said, "Our holiday parties are a great way to reconnect with friends and neighboring families, as well as meet other families from our town."

•In North Tonawanda, an Easter egg hunt will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Pinewoods Park. Children age 10 and under can participate. For more information, visit http://www.ntparksrec.com.