18th Annual “Easter on the Red River” set for April 4 in Effie

The Ward One Community Foundation invites families from across Avoyelles Parish and surrounding areas to attend the 18th Annual “Easter on the Red River” celebration on Saturday, April 4, at Ben Routh Park in Effie. The day of family-friendly activities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with an invocation followed by registration for all contests.

Registration will open at 10:30 for the Egg Knocking Contest and the Egg Decorating Contest. Children participating in the egg knocking competition will be provided fresh hard-boiled eggs, while adults must bring three fresh hard-boiled eggs to compete. All eggs entered in the contest will be broken.

Participants in the Egg Decorating Contest are encouraged to be creative by designing eggs to resemble bunnies, favorite characters, tractors, fish, and other imaginative ideas. Entries must be turned in by 12 noon for judging.

At 11 a.m., the Easter Bonnet and Hat Contest will begin with four divisions:

• Children ages 0–6
• Children ages 7–12
• Ladies ages 13 and older
• Special men’s category encouraging dads to create their own hats.

Participants will name their bonnet and parade it on stage for judging, with first through fourth place prizes awarded in each category.

A Cake Walk and Silent Auction will also take place throughout the day. At 12 noon, the Children’s Egg Knocking Contest will take place for participants ages up to 12. All eggs for the children’s contest will be provided by the “Easter on the Red River” committee and donated by Rocky and Polly Roszell. Each child will receive three eggs for the competition, and prizes will be awarded for first, second, third and fourth place.

The popular Children’s Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 12:30 p.m. More than 1,000 eggs will be hidden throughout the park for three age divisions: - Ages up to 3 - Ages 4–6 - Ages 7–12

Children should bring their own baskets. One adult will be permitted to assist children in the up to 3 age category only. Prizes will be awarded in each age division, including a special prize for the participant who collects the most eggs.

At 1 p.m., teams will compete in the Egg Toss contest for a chance to win a $100 first-place prize. Winners from earlier contests will be announced at 1:30 p.m. as prizes are distributed.

The Adult Chicken Egg Knocking Contest will begin at 2 p.m. for participants ages eight and older, followed by the Guinea Egg Knocking Contest at 2:30 p.m. Contestants must bring three fresh hard-boiled eggs for these competitions, and cash prizes will be awarded for first through fourth place.

Vendor booths will be open throughout the event featuring crafts, plants, jewelry, bows, and other items. Vendors may begin setting up at 8 a.m., and information is available by calling (318) 305-0589.

Food concessions will be available throughout the day, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries and drinks.

Organizers encourage families to bring lawn chairs, blankets, tents, and the whole family for a full day of Easter fun along the Red River.

As part of the Easter weekend celebration, Oak Grove Community Church in Effie will host a Community Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. at the Effie Ballpark. In the event of rain, the service will be held at Oak Grove Community Church.