Updated at 8:36 a.m. on Monday, April 3 to reflect a change in location.

By MATT LINDSEY

CANTON -- Peter Rabbit will return to this year, bringing treats and an egg hunt for upwards of 300 local youngsters to the Canton Pavilion.

Peter’s appearance will be Saturday, April 8. Pictures and a meet-and-greet with Peter are free. Parents are asked to bring their own camera.

Last year the Easter celebration was cancelled because of a lack of volunteers due to scheduling conflicts with spring breaks with Canton colleges.

The celebration has been a staple in the community each year for upwards of 20 years, according to Canton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sally Hill.

About 75-80 college students volunteer each year filling eggs with candy and assisting with running games.

Volunteers will set up for the event beginning at 11:30 a.m. by scattering about 3,500 candy filled eggs throughout the pavilion and taping off sections for different age groups to search. An area will also be set up for photos with Peter.

The event, sponsored by the Canton Chamber of Commerce and St. Lawrence University, will begin at noon with games and the popular cake walk, followed by an egg hunt at 1 p.m. for kids under age six.

Cakes could be decorated with anything from peeps to matchbox cars. “The cakes are edible and loaded with candy,” Hill said.

It’s a little like musical chairs, with the winners taking home one of over 20 cakes.

“Some adults get in on it too,” she said.

The cost is 50 cents per round. The chamber baked the cakes at the Canton VFW.

Each child will be guided through by a volunteer who will assist them in finding a dozen eggs. If there are leftover eggs at the end, children can make a second trip.

There will be 30 “prize” eggs amongst the candy filled eggs, winning the lucky finders extra prizes.

Children should bring their own Easter basket.

Clean up from Peter’s visit usually wraps up around 3 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to participate.

To donate or volunteer contact the chamber at 315-386-8255.