The Northwest Neighborhood Alliance is teaming up with the Sheila K. Foundation to host this year’s Easter in the Park. The event, set for 1-5 p.m. April 3 at Kendall Perkins Park, will include an egg hunt, food, inflatables, bull riding and music — and it’s open to the entire community.
The event began in 2015 after the Sheila K. Foundation was started in honor of Justin Davidson’s mother, who died that year from stage 4 lung cancer. The event was designed to bring awareness to the effects of cancer while also creating a fun opportunity for families and children.
“We wanted to get out the message of cancer and how it affects your body and your family,” Davidson said. “We do events all throughout the year. We have a scholarship during the Dust Bowl and a Holiday World trip for the kids.”
Davidson said the Easter in the Park event has evolved over time and has become a huge success over the years.
Northwest Neighborhood Alliance Chairperson Rafe Buckner agreed, saying Easter in the Park was a family-focused event in his aunt’s honor that the two organizations extended to the entire community.
One year the Alliance gave away 300 Easter baskets and hid more than 1,000 eggs across the park. Buckner said he receives calls every day from those offering gift certificates and Easter baskets to donate to the event.
Children can bring their own Easter baskets to the event or pick up an Easter basket or bag upon arrival, Davidson said.
“I have a lot of help with this event,” he added. “I couldn’t do it without my help.”
Those interested in donating or volunteering to help with Easter in the Park can contact Executive Assistant to the Mayor Adrienne Carrico at 270-687-8585.
