A few possibilities come to mind when you think of libraries and Easter. Easter library books would be the main one, followed closely by Easter related library programing, and then possibly a bunny ear shaped entryway? The connections get significantly weaker from there. In 2019, we hosted a library-wide Easter Egg Hunt. But don’t let the cute commemorative images fool you. The entire thing was a bit of a gong show. We were and inescapable regret of that decision when covid hit. Perhaps best left as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Like bungee jumping. Only our event was scarier and included way more screaming.
But this year, we’ve collaborated on a fun, safe, calm, and uniquely interactive program that is completely covid conscious and allows any household an opportunity to enjoy an outdoor family event. The Easter Egg Hunt Story Walk is a Thorold BIA project sponsored by local businesses Da Bomb Bath Co., Papa Vince Pizza, The Post Office, and Thorold Community Credit Union Ltd.
Running Friday, April 3rd Saturday, April 4 th , the Easter Egg Hunt Story Walk will feature two main elements - the first being the Story Walk itself and the second an Easter egg surprise provided at each panel. If you’re unfamiliar with Story Walks, they are essentially blown-up picture books crafted onto large storyboards and separated by page – intended to be spaced throughout an outdoor environment so you can experience both walking and reading at the same time. If you’re unfamiliar with Easter eggs, we can’t help you.
Story Walks will take place in three different locations. One is our library lot on Ormond and the other two will be on Front, one near Da Bomb Bath Co., and the other on the opposite end of the street. The library location will be Saturday only while the other two will run both days. You will receive your event location upon registration. All three stories are equally cute (we conducted some pretty involved tests), so don’t worry which one you get. Our lineup includes Forever Friends by Carin Berger, a sweet story of brown bunny and blue bird who discover that true friendships last longer than the seasons, Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid, which explores the endless possibilities of stopping to enjoy nature, and Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, a fun and colourful rhyming adventure exploring bug behaviour.
Families will be given staggered start times to assure social distancing. You will book your desired window upon registration. Participants will complete a covid screening and be asked to sanitize their hands upon event arrival. Children will also be given a new paper bag for storing their Easter surprises.
In addition to your standard trinkets like tiny toys and stickers, you could also win larger prizes donated by our lovely local businesses. Larger prizes will appear in the form of a coupon that the winner can later bring to the individual store for safe pickup. Participants register as a family/household unit. Call the library to reserve your time slot: 905-227-2581.
