Here Comes Peter Cottontail ....

People aren't going to be the only ones in fancy clothes for this Easter in Warren Township: residents can dress up their bicycles, wagons or baby carriages as part of the third annual Easter Parade and Egg Hunt on April 16.

"It's a lot of fun," said Recreation Director Eleanora Hermann of the event that drew 110 people last year. "Parents really get pretty inventive."

For the Easter Parade, families start at the municipal complex parking lot near the rescue squad and walk a short distance to be judged for their decorations. Hermann said prizes will be handed out to various winners and include five tickets to the Wagner Farm Arboretum's Halloween event this fall and movie theater tickets.

Following the parade, children ages 3 to 6 years and 7 to 10 years can hunt for Easter eggs filled with candy and small prizes. A lucky few in each age group can find golden eggs with special items.

The Warren Blue Ridge Hunting Club has donated fishing poles, soccer and other sports balls and Weichert Realtors is giving out Easter baskets to each child. The Lions Club and the Men's Football Club have contributed toward the 2,000 eggs that will be part of this year's hunt, said Hermann.

The event is open only to residents, who must pre-register by April 14 to participate. Residents can drop by the Recreation Office, call 908-753-8000, ext. 270, or email recreation@warrentboe.org to sign up. The cost is $5 per child (non-refundable)  for the egg hunt. On April 16, registered residents can check in at 1:30 pm and the parade will start at 2 p.m. The rain date is April 23.

Area residents can also enjoy another Easter egg hunt at 12 p.m. April 17. The free event is sponsored by the Watchung Hills Elks Lodge #2252 and will be held rain or shine at the lodge across Bardy Lane from the municipal complex. Children ages 2 to 11 years old are welcome and the Easter Bunny will be there to greet participants.

Children also can find the Easter Bunny at the Bridgewater Commons Mall for photos throughout the month and a Bunny Breakfast on April 23. Kids 12 and under will receive a free animal mask when they visit with the bunny at the center court of the mall. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 23. Children can get a free pair of bunny ears and $5 off an animal of $25 or more at Build-A-Bear.

The Easter Bunny also will be dining in style at Maggiano's Little Italy at the Bridgewater Commons Mall Park on April 23. The traditional breakfast will be at 9 a.m. and the cost is $12 per person with kids 4 and under free. If the weather permits, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Reservations can be made by calling 908-547-6050.

Area farms, including Terhune Orchards in Princeton and Alstede Farms in Chester, are hosting Easter family events. Terhune is hosting a Bunny Chase from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 23 and 24. The event, ideal for children 2 to 8 years old, includes a treasure hunt and a take-home bunny craft. This event depends on the weather. For more information, call 609-924-2310. At Alstede, children can hunt for eggs, take photos with the Easter Bunny, feed baby farm animals and more. Alstede's Easter activities will be held from April 15 to 23 at various times. Check their website for details.