Last year, many of the area’s Easter parties and egg hunts were among the first events to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These year, with the virus still posing a danger, local community groups are looking to parades and drive-thru events as a way to still give children something to look forward to while maintaining social distance.
Despite the egg hunt cancellations, you can still grab your basket and hop on over to one of these events taking place throughout Greater Pittston.
Avoca
The Avoca Community Committee will welcome Honey the Easter Bunny to town Saturday, March 27.
This is the second year the ACC has organized this event in response to the egg hunt in town being cancelled due to the pandemic.
“We opted to do this same thing this year,” Kelly O’Brien, borough secretary and Avoca Community Committee member, said about Honey’s trip around town. “So, while it’s not your normal meet-and-greet, the kids are able to see the bunny in town.”
Honey the Bunny will begin his ride through Avoca at 11 a.m., starting in the third ward and continuing through the second and first wards, ending in West Avoca. Keep a lookout for the flashing lights.
This year at Queen of the Apostles Parish, all Easter activities are canceled due to COVID-19. That includes the annual egg hunt that has been held behind Keisinger Funeral Services for more than a decade and that typically attracts 200 children from Avoca and surrounding communities.
“We are very upset about the children missing out on Easter events again this year,” said Kathy Franceschelli, parish secretary.
The church’s other traditional activities during Holy Week, such as Living Stations and the Passion reenacted by the parish’s religious education children, are canceled as well. However, Queen of the Apostles will be open for services, with CDC guidelines in place.
“Hopefully, we will be able to get back to these traditions in 2022,” Franceschelli said.
Dupont
Dupont Lions Club, with the help of Dupont Volunteer Hose Company, will sponsor the Easter Bunny’s visit to Dupont on Saturday, March 27, beginning at 1 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, April 3.
The Easter Bunny will follow the same route Santa used last year and will visit as many streets as possible. A link will be posted on Facebook to a “Bunny Tracker” so residents can see where the parade is in town. Members of the Lions Club will be handing out small gifts to children while supplies last.
This parade will take the place of the traditional egg hunt the Lions Club sponsors at the Little League field every year.
Parade participants will practice social distancing and ask residents to watch from their yard or porch.
“We want everyone to be safe,” said Dupont Mayor Dan Lello.
Pittston City
In Pittston City, the Downtown Pittston Partnership is hosting a drive-thru event to meet the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at the Pittston Fire Station. The Easter Bunny will hand out treats to children as they safely stay inside their vehicles.
Those participating should enter from South Main Street through the Tomato Festival lots to line up at the fire station. Everyone must remain in their vehicles at all times.
The event is sponsored by the Pittston Fire Department, Pittston Police Department, Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association, Downtown Pittston Partnership and Pittston Candy & Cigar Company.
