Easter egg hunt events are springing up in many cities as Floridians head into Easter weekend, and Jacksonville is no exception.
The city is hosting a major Easter egg hunt Saturday morning dubbed “Riverfront Palooza.” The event is free and will feature age-specific events.
The Easter egg hunts will hide up to 20,000 eggs being stashed around the Riverfront Plaza, located at 2 W. Independent Drive.
The events start at 10 a.m. for children ages 0-2, with another at 12 p.m. Kids aged 3-4 can participate at 10:20 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. Ages 5-7 get to hunt at 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Events for ages 8-10 are scheduled for 11:10 a.m. and 1:10 p.m., with kids ages 11-12 hunting at 11:30 a.m. and 1:35 p.m.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is expected to appear at the Plaza at about 10 a.m. to kick off the events. She will also be present with her River City Readers Bookmobile, an initiative Deegan has been promoting to enhance literacy in the city.
Parents are advised to bring Easter baskets for their children, though bags will be provided by the city if necessary. Parking will be available at downtown garages surrounding the event.
In addition to the Easter egg hunt, the city will feature entertainment including a live music DJ, arts and crafts stations, face painting along with food and dessert trucks. There will also be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny when he makes a stop along the north shore of the St. Johns River.
It’s another major holiday event for the 6-acre Riverfront Plaza. A Christmas tree lighting was held in December.
The site used to be home to the riverfront mall, known as the Jacksonville Landing, before it was demolished several years ago after business fell off at the shopping hub.
