By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Squeals and giggles abounded as dozens of children scoured for Easter eggs, visited with the Easter Bunny and enjoyed prizes and snacks at both branches of the St. James Parish Library this week.

Keri Walker, library supervisor, said approximately 95 children signed up for the April 15 Vacherie hunt and around 150 children signed up for the April 16 Lutcher hunt.

The event started off with the children meeting and taking photos with the Easter Bunny. Three different hunts were held for varying age groups, and certain eggs in the hunt were filled with tickets that were redeemable for special prizes, such as bubbles and bunny cups. Immediately following the hunts, cake and drinks were available to the guests.

Children in St. John the Baptist Parish will have the opportunity to participate in a hunt today when the St. John the Baptist Parish Administration and Council host the annual Easter in the Park event, a free family-friendly Easter celebration, at Highway 51 Park in LaPlace and at the Westbank Park Complex, 2445 Louisiana Highway 18 in Edgard, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Children ages 2-12 are invited to participate in an Easter egg hunt and visit with the Easter Bunny. Food, refreshments and prizes will also be provided to participants. The egg hunt will begin at 11:30 a.m. on both sides of the river. Visit sjbparish.com for a map of both parks. 

The next children’s event at the St. James Parish libraries will be a puppet show hosted by the Keep St. James Parish Beautiful Board. 

The puppet show is titled “The Fisherman and his Wife” and will be showcased on April 22 at the parish libraries. The puppet shows are scheduled for 10 a.m. in Vacherie and 2 p.m. in Lutcher. The show will help children learn how their actions have an impact on the world around them through hand puppets, music and audience participation. The show is recommended for children ages 5-12, but all ages are invited to attend.