By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

As spring heats up in Berlin, the town gears up to host a day of fun-filled events in honor of Easter and the warm-weather season.

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 29th Annual Spring Celebration on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fun games and activities will be held, including an Easter egg hunt, a parade, breakfast with the Easter bunny, and other kid-friendly festivities.

According to Berlin Chamber of Commerce President Garrett Neville, the day will kick off with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Berlin Beer Company from 9 a.m. to noon, while games on Main Street will run all day until 5 p.m. These games are free, but donations to the Berlin Chamber are encouraged.

Festivities will continue with a Bonnet Parade at 10 a.m. The walk will start at World of Toys. Parade contest categories include Most Colorful, Most Eco-Friendly, Best Adult, Most Springtastic, and Best Overall.

An Easter egg hunt at the Calvin B. Taylor House will follow at 11 a.m. Neville said that the museum’s lawn will be divided into different age groups: three and below, four to six, and seven and older. Lollipop the Clown is scheduled to arrive on Main Street at noon and will administer face painting and spring-themed entertainment. Furthermore, Shake It Up Jam has performances scheduled at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

“We will also have art vendors, with kid-friendly items set up all day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” the chamber president said.

Neville adds that attendees can stop into Rayne’s Reef and Berlin Beer Company for breakfast or pop over to Cafe Berlin or 2nd Wave for a caffeine boost or sweet treat. Additionally, during the Spring Celebration, food vendors like Sessa Hot Dogs, Street Kitchen, and Cousins Lobster will be onsite, as will cotton candy, kettle corn, and Kona Ice.

The chamber president said planning for the Spring Celebration begins early. An event committee, headed by Ashley Harrison and the Chamber Board, kick-off preparation efforts at the start of the year.

As part of spring activities, the chamber also hosts an Easter egg scavenger hunt. Participants can grab a form at the foyer of the organization’s office at 14 South Main Street and look for eggs in the windows of local businesses. Completed forms must be submitted back to the foyer for a chance to win a prize during a drawing on Monday, April 21.

“A lot of work behind the scenes goes into this free event for our community’s kids,” he said.

In addition to the Spring Celebration, the chamber hosts various events throughout the year and is always looking for volunteers to help out. Anyone interested in lending a hand can find more information on how to get involved at https://berlinchamber.org/events/.

Neville maintained that the April 19 event is a great way to inspire togetherness in the Town of Berlin.

“[The event] strengthens the sense of community by bringing residents together to celebrate, socialize, and enjoy shared experiences,” he said. “The event also brings an economic boost. Local businesses, vendors, and artists benefit from the increased foot traffic … It also brings joy to the children in our community. Getting to celebrate Spring in Berlin is lots of fun for all ages.”