By Jessica Miller
The Easter Bunny always has a jam-packed schedule during the weekends of Easter. However, he has made it a point to hop over to Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County to squeeze in some fun with local families. Here are some scheduled stops where he can be found (along with the eggs he famously hides):
Friday, April 7h:
Lakewood, NY: The Chautauqua Mall has Easter Bunny visits and photos from 12-4pm on Friday April 7th and April 8th.
Russell, PA: Russell Roller Rink (7385 Market St) has its Easter Half Nighter Skate from 7pm-1am on April 7th and April 8th. Admission is $10 to skate from 7-10pm and $16 for the full evening. Text or call 814-75-SKATE (814-757-5283) or visit https://www.facebook.com/srrr.us for information.
Saturday, April 8:
Jamestown: Christ First United Methodist Church (663 Lakeview Ave) is hiding over 1,800 eggs filled with candy, toys, and prizes for their Easter Egg Hunt in the Buffalo St. yard with the hunt to begin at 11am. Children 2 and under will get a one-minute head start, and parents/guardians are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture memorable moments. The church is hosting an open house inside during and after the hunt with coffee, refreshments, and information about church programs. This event is free and all ages are welcome.
Sardinia: The Tri-County Kiwanis Club is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt in Sardinia Town Park (13169 Genesee Rd) at 11am. After the hunt, there will be treats, kite flying, and Easter egg games to play. This event is free and all ages are welcome.
Delevan: Delevan Village Park (85 South Main St) will have its Easter Egg Hunt at 3pm. There will be games, snacks, and prizes in addition to the egg hunting fun. Children under 12 accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome and the event is free.
Gowanda & South Dayton: The Peter Cotton Tail Express is returning thanks to The New York and Lake Erie Railroad. Riders will enjoy a round-trip two-hour ride with Peter Cottontail and count candy pieces in a contest. Upon arrival in South Dayton, riders can hunt for eggs and visit vendors during the half hour layover. The Peter Cotton Tail Express is scheduled to depart from the Gowanda NYLE station (50 Commercial St.) on April 8 at 11am and 2 pm. Riders should arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure, and tickets can be picked up at the window inside of the depot. Adult tickets are $21, senior (aged 62+) tickets are $19, and children (aged 3-12) tickets are $17. A four-top table in the dining car can be obtained for $81. Buy tickets during NYLE office hours Monday through Friday 9am-4pm or online at https://nylerailroad.com/peter-cotton-tail-express/.
Colden: The Colden Fire Department (8448 Gutekunst Rd) has an Easter Egg Hunt scheduled to beginning at 11am. Special prizes are available to win by age groups from ages 1-12. Email jpwbuf@gmail.com with questions or to RSVP.
Jamestown: The Jamestown Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department’s 75th annual Easter Egg Hunt returns to Allen Park (31 Hughes St) on Saturday, April 8, at 11am. In the event of inclement weather, the hunt will likely be held indoors at the ice rink. This event is free and families are welcome.
Ellicottville: The annual community easter egg hunt returns to the Ellicottville Village Park, located at 11 Parksider Drive in Ellicottville, NY from 1-2pm. Hunters are split into three age groups, and children will get drawing tickets that enter them to win prizes. The event is free and families are welcome.
Sunday, April 9:
Celeron: The Harbor Hotel (10 Dunham Ave) is hosting an Easter Grand Buffet in the Pier Ballroom from 11am-6pm. Breakfast offerings including made to order omelets and a yogurt parfait station will be served from 11am-1pm. After that, lunch entrees, soups, salad, sides, and assorted desserts and candies will be served from 1-6pm. Adults pay $36.95, children aged 6-12 pay $14.95, and children 5 and younger are complimentary. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 716-489-2800.