Oneonta Families Can Hop into Easter Fun with Local Events
By BRIANNA FERGUSON
SUNY Institute for Local News
ONEONTA
Easter is this Sunday, April 5, and families around the Oneonta region will have several opportunities to celebrate together with free and low-cost events happening during the first week of April.
River Street Baptist Church, located at 133 River Street, will host an Easter egg hunt on Friday, April 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include group games before the egg hunt, followed by optional crafts for children. The program will also feature a short telling of the Easter story from the Bible and a ventriloquist sharing a Bible story.
Laura Carpenter, host of the event, said the focus of the church’s celebration is meaningful connection.
“We want to share the Easter story, so that’s the special thing about ours as a church,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter added that she hopes the experience has a positive impact on attendees.
“I hope it lifts their spirits and helps them feel more connected to a church community in general,” she said.
Another popular local destination, Interskate 88 at 5185 State Highway 23, will host a special roller skating event with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 4 from 1-6 p.m. Admission is $8.00, with an additional $3.00 fee for roller skate rentals. Guests will be able to meet the Easter Bunny, receive candy and treats, and take photos during the event. No skating experience is required to participate.
Roller rink manager Bizzy Brzezinski said the event is intended to offer families an active and flexible holiday option.
“Just an activity for something to do for the holiday that provides physical activity,” Brzezinski said. “If they don’t want to skate, that’s fine. They can still have the opportunity to meet with the dressed-up Easter Bunny and get a special little treat.”
The rink will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Southside Mall in Oneonta is also offering families a chance to celebrate the holiday with photographs with the Easter Bunny. The mall hosted a photo event on Saturday, March 28, and will continue offering photo opportunities on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4. The setup will be located in the middle of the mall. Families may purchase printed photos for $10.00 or take photos using their own phones at no cost.
Luisa Montanti, general manager of Southside Mall, said the event continues to be popular with local families.
“It’s nice to see people trying to still create a tradition,” Montanti said. “Year after year we still see the same families coming in as the kids are getting older. It’s been a good, wholesome opportunity for families to be able to take their kids to a special thing for that day.”
All of these events are held annually and are designed to bring the community together for the Christian holiday. With a variety of options available, families in Oneonta can find plenty of ways to create lasting Easter memories.
This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.
