By MAUREEN PICHE

CANTON – Hundreds of youngsters are once again expected to greet Peter Rabbit when he comes to the downtown green Saturday, April 23 for photos with the kids, an egg hunt, a cakewalk and games.

The annual “Peter Rabbit in the Park” event is made possible by volunteers from the Canton Chamber of Commerce, St. Lawrence University and other organizations.

“There aren’t a lot of things for kids to do as a group around Easter, so this gives them a big event,” said Chamber Executive Director Sally Hill. “And it brings the St. Lawrence students into the village.”

They will begin setting up in the park beginning at about 11 a.m. in time for a 12:30 P.M. start to the day’s events. They will set out the eggs – about 3,500 of them, filled with little goodies – as they mark off areas for kids of different ages, so the younger ones will have a chance to score some eggs. In addition to candy, some of the eggs will entitle the children to special prizes.

The volunteers will be setting up a prize tent and an area for photos with Peter and the kids. Take your own, or the chamber will do it for $2.

The cake walk begins at 12:30. It’s a little like musical chairs, with the winners taking home one of about 35 cakes. The cost is 25 cents per round.

“Everybody loves it. I mean, many of the parents are out there doing it,” Hill said.

Before and after the egg hunt, St. Lawrence University students will have games set up for the whole family. The egg hunt in the park starts at 1 p.m. The prizes have been donated by chamber member businesses.

After the egg hunt, games, prizes, and photos with Peter, cleanup begins, usually being completed by 3:30. Volunteers are always welcome.

Hill noted that chamber members can become official sponsors of the event for a contribution. Sponsors names are announced at the event, Hill says.

To become a sponsor, you may call the Canton Chamber at 386-8255.