HOWELL – Howell Township hosted its annual Easter in the Park event on Saturday, April 2. Due to the pandemic, the event had been cancelled in 2020 and 2021, but with the easing of restrictions and more encouraging numbers for infections in the state, the township moved forward to reinstate the event.
“I just think it means everything,” said Director of Community Relations Steven Fecher. “We’ve been kind of closed up, not knowing if we could do it. Just [to] be able to come out here and share with the community, the beautiful weather, it’s just a great day. A lot of smiling faces.”
Held at Oak Glen Park, the three-hour event featured Easter egg hunts for three separate groups of children, based upon their ages. In addition, there were games, food, music, crafts, face painting and even a live animal display where children could get up close and interact with some furry friends, which were provided by “Pony and Pals” in Howell.
Gregory Lambiase, who works under the name “DJ Greg Nice,” acted as the emcee for the day and kept the soundtrack of the event playing. Also entertaining the crowd were students from Art Beins Karate, who demonstrated their skills with a number of kicks, jumps and self-defense techniques.
Beginning at 11 a.m., the youngest children, ages five and under, were set loose to find the Easter eggs, followed by the six- and seven-year-olds, and finally the eight and up group. Each group took turns finding the “golden egg,” which entitled the lucky child to claim a grand prize Easter basket.
This year, many of the supplies for the event were donated by the Texas Roadhouse restaurant. Andy the Armadillo, the Texas Roadhouse mascot, also made an appearance at the event and posed for pictures with those in attendance.
“To be a part of this community event is very special to us,” said Bailey Balderson, the local store marketer for the Texas Roadhouse in Howell. “We wouldn’t change being out here for anything this weekend.”
“Our new sponsor this year was Texas Roadhouse,” said Fecher. “They came out big by [providing] over a hundred and fifty kid meal cards, and we spread them out between three different egg hunts.
Of course, the outing would not have been complete without a visit from the Easter Bunny, who took time out of his busy schedule and preparations to greet the crowd and pose for photographs.
Dawn Williams, a teacher who also volunteers for the Howell First Aid Squad, summed up the sentiment of those who worked so hard to make Easter in the Park a success. “It’s amazing to give back to the community and make the children happy,” said Williams, “and just do a great event.”
