The hunt for hidden bunnies and giant eggs will be on at the Botanic Gardens soon as the very first Wide Bay Kids Easter in the Gardens event kicks off for the young and the young at heart.
For 30 days in April the community is invited to download or pick up a special map and explore the gardens while searching for some special Easter surprises.
Wide Bay Kids’ Gayle Reynolds organised the event after consultation with the community about the need for more fun and engaging activities in the region.
“Easter in the Gardens is a community connection project of Wide Bay Kids,” Gayle said.
“Our goal is to bring together various businesses, the arts sector, community groups and individuals to work together to create a magical experience for families living and visiting the region.”
The event was awarded Regional Arts Development Funding through Bundaberg Regional Council, with $2000 going towards the project.
RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions.
The organisation invests in local arts and cultural priorities, as determined by local communities, across Queensland.
Gayle said participants would be hunting far and wide across the gardens to find the bunnies and ten giant Easter eggs, which had been created by various local artists.
“The giant eggs are one metre high, made from marine wood and have been especially designed by local artists to capture the magic of Easter,” Gayle said.
“In addition to giant eggs there will also be giant carrots and cheeky giant bunnies at the gardens to help guide people through the egg hunt.”
Gayle said the aim of the hunt was to locate all of the giant eggs then enter the draw to win weekly prizes.
“There is also a special golden egg and if you are the lucky person to find it you will receive a great prize thanks to Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Bundaberg Botanic Gardens,” she said.
“You can also join in on one of the artist walks and learn about what inspired the beautiful and creative designs.
“Local artists are working to create magical egg murals for families to fall in love with and people can come any day during April to soak up the beauty of the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens in Autumn.”
Businesses, artists and community come on board to support Easter egg hunt
The Wide Bay Kids team said Easter in the Gardens was made possible through the involvement of the whole community.
“Last year we conducted community consultation around what events families would like to see in the region,” Gayle said.
“We spoke to individuals, groups, the arts sector, community organisations and businesses who all had their say about what the project may look like.
“We are now all working together to celebrate community connection.
“Easter in the Gardens has been made possible by the support of local businesses who have sponsored a giant egg.”
The Easter in the Gardens event is free for all and will be held from 1 to 30 April, with no bookings necessary.
Where can you get a map?
A printed map is part of the Wide Bay Kids Easter School Holiday Pocket Guide which will be delivered to schools and childcare centres from 27 March.
Copies of the guide, including the map, is also available on the brochure stand located inside Cafe 1928, at the Botanic Gardens.
A digital map will also be available from 27 March on the Wide Bay Kids website or via scanning a QR Code at the gardens.
Find out more here.
