Free event combines fun activities, egg hunts, and books to promote literacy to children ages 0-12
Martinsville, Va. — The Harvest Youth Board invites local youth and their families to a fun event combining Easter egg hunts and interactive activities with books!
On March 25 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex Amphitheater, local youth (ages 0-12) and families are welcome to participate in the Harvest Youth Board’s 2nd Annual Books and Bunnies event.
The free event includes:
- Two egg hunts — the first beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m. Both egg hunts are intended for children ages 12 and under;
- Local organizations offering fun crafts and engaging activities for youth from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.;
- New additions — an inflatable slide and live bunnies;
- Pictures with the Easter Bunny;
- Food trucks; and
- Free books for every youth attendee, ages 12 and under.
Webb Garrett, member of the Harvest Youth Board, expressed his love for this event and the large impact it has on the community.
“We believe that books are a key to unlocking a child’s potential. Through fun activities like egg hunts and crafts we hope to make reading a joyous experience for children of all ages. Our primary focus is to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning, and we are thrilled to provide a book to every child that attends,” said Garrett.
This year’s participating organizations include the Blue Ridge Regional Library, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge, Dan River Basin Association, Martinsville Henry County Coalition For Health & Wellness, Smart Beginnings Henry, SPCA of Martinsville & Henry County and the Piedmont Teen Arts Council.
Volunteers are also crucial to the success of the Books and Bunnies event. Volunteers, ranging from high school students to adults, assist with the check-in, book giveaway, and egg hunts during the event.
“The Harvest Youth Board has been working hard to put together this year’s Books and Bunnies Event, and we are super excited to see the event grow this year,” said Cristiano Di Maro, Harvest Youth Board Special Events Committee Chair.
Harvest Youth Board Member, Alexa Martell, said, “I am very excited for Books and Bunnies this year. Being a volunteer last year was a great experience, and I am thrilled to be a part of the planning process. I can’t wait to be able to see all the children and I know it will be a great experience for everyone who attends!”
In case of rain or inclement weather, the event will be held April 1. To find out more about the Books and Bunnies event, visit The Harvest Youth Board Facebook or Instagram pages.
About The Harvest Youth Board:
The Harvest Youth Board was created in June 2015 to develop projects and initiatives important to young people in Martinsville-Henry County, and to advise the Harvest Foundation Board of Directors on issues relating to youth. The board is supported by the Harvest Foundation and the Kiwanis Club. Grants are available to nonprofits in Martinsville-Henry County for up to $5,000. To find out more about the Harvest Youth Board, visit https://theharvestfoundation.org/youthboard/.
