Let's Track Down The Easter Bunny in the Hudson Valley

Many people will be celebrating Easter at the end of March. For some it is a cherished religious holiday for others it is a day full of easter bunnies, baskets, and egg hunts. For some, the day is filled with both traditions.

Growing up in a catholic family we celebrated Easter by starting the day at church and then traveling to relatives for dinner. At some point along the way, there was an Easter basket moment. I say moment because some years we attended an egg hunt and got a basket other years the basket was magically waiting for us when we returned from church and or dinner.

Where Did the Idea for the Easter Bunny Originate

Growing up you learned that the Easter bunny isn't real but I am not convinced. I can still remember how magical it was to discover the basket waiting for us when we got back to the house. No sign of the basket before we left for church or dinner but somehow it was always there when we got back.

Sasiistock / ThinkStock

This fact is probably why I lean into the part of history that has the Easter Bunny and its basket tied to a pagan tradition. According to TIME, one theory is that the bunny stems from the Festival of Eostre which is a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol is a bunny.

History.com however says the Easter Bunny in America has another origin which would also play into my heritage. In an article updated last March, they claim the Easter Bunny and the decorated eggs he delivers were introduced to America by German immigrants. The candy is a more modern addition according to their account.

Jemal Countess
Getty Images

Easter Bunny Dates and Places in the Hudson Valley for 2024

So where will the Easter Bunny be in the Hudson Valley before he stops to drop off your Easter basket? Check out the quick list of places we put together for you to enjoy and maybe grab a picture with the bunny.

Hudson Valley Easter Bunny Events - Saturday - March 23rd, 2024

Town of Wappinger Egg Hunt from 1 PM to 3:15 PM at Martz Field

Pictures with the Easter Bunny at the Apple Core, Grown by Barton Orchards. Free Picture plus complimentary Hot Chocolate and a treat from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Hudson Valley Easter Bunny Events - Sunday - March 24th, 2024

Middle Hope Fire Department - Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Middle Hope Fire Dept, 11 Lattintown Road, Newburgh From 8 AM to 11:30 AM. Profits will be donated to local veteran organizations.

Fuse
Thinkstock

Hudson Valley Easter Bunny Events - Saturday - March 30th, 2024

Easter Egg Hunt at Mesier Park with the Wappingers Falls PBA at 12 PM. Registration is free but you are asked to sign up in advance.

Pictures with the Easter Bunny at Eastdale Village Center - BYOC (bring your own camera) 11 AM to 2 PM free photos with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Pictures with United Martial Arts Centers in Fishkill from 11:30 PM to 2 PM. Space is limited so please register.

Get our free mobile app

The Grown Up Easter Basket

Imagine all the fun of an Easter egg hunt just like when you were a kid but instead of tracking down candy and hard boiled eggs you hunt for stuff you want as a grown up. Here are some of my ideas for a grown up Easter egg hunt.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

Popular Easter Candy

From Halloween to Easter some of our favorite candy brands get reworked for each of the holidays. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day and finally Easter. From September to April we can eat candy to our hearts content. But have you ever realized that after Easter there are no more candy focused holidays until Halloween comes around again.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

Source: Let’s Track Down The Easter Bunny in the Hudson Valley