Rain showers could be hit or miss the weekend before Easter, but that won't put a damper on several Easter-themed events that are planned around town.
On Saturday, children up to age 12 are invited, along with their parents, to decorate eggs for free at The Castle in Marietta.
"It's a way for children to be able to decorate eggs together with other children and parents don't have to clean up the mess," said The Castle media coordinator Leah Magyary.
Children don't need to bring anything. Each child will receive one egg that they can decorate and take home. In the event of rain, Magyary said activities will move inside but will be limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are recommended.
Sunday there will be two Easter egg hunts, with one a new idea and the other having been around for a decade. The annual Easter egg hunt held in Muskingum Park will return this year, despite some major setbacks.
"The flash floods we had (a couple months ago) took our building and everything we had in it," explained Clyde "J.R." Huddleston, a charter member of Justice Motorcycle Club, which has been sponsoring the event since its inception.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Free egg decorating day.
Where: The Castle, 418 Fourth St., Marietta.
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Details: Free event for children up to age 12, parents welcome. Door prizes will be awarded. Eggs will not be judged.
For information: 373-4180 or mariettacastle.org.
What: Easter egg hunt in the park.
Where: Muskingum Park, Front Street in Marietta.
When: Sunday, starting at the stroke of 1 p.m.
Details: Free and open to all children, in groups of ages up to 5, 6 to 10, and 11 to 14.
For information or to donate: Clyde Huddleston, 885-1031.
What: Marietta Family YMCA Wet and Wild Easter Egg Hunt.
Where: Marietta Family YMCA, 300 Seventh St., Marietta.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: Free for YMCA members, $3 for non-members.
For information: 373-2250.
What: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.
Where: Belpre Heights United Methodist Church, 720 Clement Ave., Belpre.
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
Cost: Free, open to the public.
"We usually have 10,000 plastic eggs and we have barrels to collect them back after the egg hunt ... we had stuffed animals, gift baskets ... it was all ruined," he said. "We do this every year out of our own pockets, with help from some donations, and we have been debating what we were going to do this year. We know that kids look forward to it."
The event will go on as scheduled Sunday at 1 p.m., though the group is still hoping for some last minute help.
"We are working with Brothers of the Wheel, Valley Riders and Jason Ware to get some donations. The city and (Mayor) Joe (Matthews) have donated the park again this year," Huddleston said, adding there are typically more than 1,000 children at the event hosted by the nonprofit motorcycle club, representing the Marietta and Parkersburg areas. To donate items, Huddleston asks that folks call him directly at 885-1031.
Whether the rain comes or not will hardly matter for another event which will be held at the Marietta Family YMCA, also on Sunday. The Wet and Wild Easter Egg Hunt is a new event this year, according to Charlie Wilson, the Y's program director.
"When I was in college, I talked to the director of the aquatic center (at OU) and I was given ideas for programs and this was one of them," he said.
Children of all ages are welcome, as well as parents who can accompany youngsters or unsure swimmers in the pool.
"Families are welcome and parents are more than welcome to get in the water to make children feel safe," Wilson said. "We will have more than the normal number of lifeguards as well."
Some eggs will float and some will be weighted to sink. Eggs will be hidden all around the pool area and treats will be given afterwards.
Families are encouraged to call ahead but are welcome to just stop by on Sunday between 1 and 3 p.m. The cost is $3 for children who are non-members and free for YMCA members. For information, call 373-2250.
