Sentinel file photo
11-month-old Parker Snyder reaches for an egg with help from his mother Amanda Snyder, both of Mifflintown during the Sons of the American Legion Post 298 Easter egg hunt held at the Mifflintown playground.

Each year, families gather in a wide, open field for a morning built around color, excitement, and the simple joy of discovery. Children arrive with baskets ready, shifting with anticipation while volunteers finish placing bright eggs in every imaginable hiding spot — behind tree roots, along fence rails, beneath benches and among early flowerbeds.

Before the hunt begins, many families stop for photos with a cheerful Easter Bunny, who greets children of all ages. Some approach with bold enthusiasm, others with cautious curiosity and parents capture the moment before guiding their youngest hunters toward the starting area.

When the signal is given, children sweep across the field in every direction. Older kids move quickly with practiced confidence, scanning familiar hiding places, while younger ones explore at a slower pace, gently steered by parents who point out a hint of color tucked in the grass or resting on a low branch. Laughter rises as baskets fill, each discovery adding to the shared excitement.

By the end, the field grows quiet again, marked only by footprints and a few overlooked eggs glinting in the light. Families head home with full baskets, cheerful photos and the contentment of a tradition enjoyed together.

Here’s a glance at upcoming Easter events around the Juniata Valley this year:

March 13 through April 6

• Downtown Discovery Contest

Outside of the Mifflin County Historical Courthouse, 1 W. Market St., Lewistown, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 13 through April 6. Numbered, cardboard eggs have been hidden throughout Downtown Lewistown in the windows and storefronts of local businesses. All eggs can be safely seen from outside. The contest is open to ages 3 to 11, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Contest forms can be picked up and dropped off outside of the Historical Courthouse. Submit entries online at http://discovery.mifflincounty.us.

Saturday, March 21

• Easter Egg Hunt

Mifflintown Weis, 4521 William Penn Highway, Mifflintown, 11 a.m. to noon. Lots of prizes. Three age groups: ages up to 4, ages 5 to 8, and ages 9 to 12. Rain date is 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28.

• Brunch with the Bunny

Juniata Valley Winery, 19175 Route 35, Mifflin, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy brunch, plus plenty of fun for the little ones including a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny and an Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets cost $30 per person. Limited seating. Ticket sales end on Sunday, March 15.

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Port Royal Park, 2767 Lions Club Park Road, Port Royal, noon. For ages 0 to 12. Free event. Bring your own basket to collect eggs. Free refreshments.

Saturday, March 28

• Annual Easter Celebration

Calvary Bible Church, 100 Calvary Lane, Lewistown, 9 to 11 a.m. Annual No Bunny Loves You Like Jesus Easter Celebration features breakfast at 9 a.m. and Easter Egg Hunt for ages fifth grade and under at 10 a.m. No tickets required for egg hunt. Tickets required for breakfast as seating is limited. Call (717) 248-5409 or email MissCindyCBC@calvarybibleonline.org.

• Hop and Shop

Lewistown Country Club, 306 Country Club Road, Lewistown, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun-filled day of vendor shopping, food, Easter Egg Hunt and photos with Easter Bunny.

• Easter Egg Splash

Juniata Valley YMCA, 105 First Ave., Burnham, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can collect floating and sinking eggs in the water, enjoy candy bags and search for special prize eggs in their heat. Register on the Juniata Valley YMCA Facebook page.

• Community Easter Egg Hunt

Juniata Valley Council, Scouting America, 9 Taylor Drive, Reedsville, 10 a.m. New this year, pictures with the Easter Bunny. Public welcome.

Annual Easter Celebration

Mountain View Chapel, 104 Shelly Drive, Reedsville, 10:20 a.m. to noon. Features Easter Egg Hunt for ages 12 and under starting at 10:30 a.m. Afterward, enjoy a community meal, crafts, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and face painting for all ages. The event is free. Please bring a basket or something to collect eggs. Registration for Easter egg hunt at 10:20 a.m.

Easter on the Rails

East Broad Top Railroad, Rockhill Furnace, departures at 10:30 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Visit from Easter Bunny during one-hour, nine-mile trail ride through the scenic Aughwick Valley aboard America’s oldest and operating narrow-gauge railroad. Easter Egg Hunt at Colgate Grove. Reservations recommended. More information, visit www.eastbroadtop.com.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

Lighthouse Community Church of Mifflintown, 1578 Cedar Springs Road, Mifflintown, 1 to 2 p.m. Eighth Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. For ages 2 to 12. Adapted egg hunt area for those with special needs of all ages, too. Register by March 18 and get a free prize at https://wearelcc.org/easter-egg-hunt/.

Easter Egg Hunt

Lewistown Masonic Lodge, 81 Masonic Drive, Lewistown, 1 to 3 p.m. Free for ages 2 to 13. Hunts are divided into various age groups. Basket raffles held. The rain date is April 4.

Indoor Easter Egg Hunt

Walking Free Clubhouse, 8183 Route 522, Middleburg, 2 to 4 p.m. Three prizes of varying sizes for all age groups. Visit from Easter Bunny. Starting times are: 2 p.m. for ages 1 to 3; 2:45 p.m. for ages 4 to 7; and 3:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 12.

Easter Flower and Baked Goods Sale

Thompsontown Volunteer Fire Co., 55 State St., Thompsontown, hours vary by day, Saturday, March 28 through Saturday, April 4. Choose from lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and more. Check Facebook or call (717) 535-3789 for daily hours.

Sunday, March 29

Easter Egg Hunt

Heritage Volunteer Fire House, 218 S. Main St., Lewistown, 2 to 4 p.m. Age groups: 0 to 3; 4 to 6; 7 to 9; and 10 to 12. Two eggs in each age group include special prizes. Bring a basket to collect eggs. Games and fun, along with hot dogs on sale for $1 and peanut butter eggs for $2. Rain date is April 4.

Wednesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 4

Easter Flower Sale

City Hook and Ladder Fire Co., 317 Valley St., Lewistown, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 1 to 4. There will be lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and more available for purchase. Hop on over and support your local fire company.

Friday, April 3

Juniata Cheerleading Egg My Yard

7 to 9 a.m. Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4. Let them make your Easter morning “eggstra” special. Order pre-filled eggs to be secretly hidden in your yard (or dropped on your porch) before Easter morning. Egg packages: 20 eggs for $20; 30 eggs for $30; 60 eggs for $40; and 80 eggs for $60. Email mboyer@jcsdk12.org by March 27 to order.

Easter Egg Hunt

Basom Park, 6972 Heister Valley Road, Richfield, hosted by Richfield Women’s Club, noon to 3 p.m. Lunch stand opens at noon. Easter Bunny arrives on the fire truck at 1 p.m. The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 2 p.m. for ages 1 up to sixth-graders. Bring a basket to collect the eggs.

Friday, April 3 through Saturday, April 4

Connie’s Honor Easter Flower Sale

McLaughlin Pharmacy, 122 Carriage Lane, Mifflintown, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4. Proceeds support local cancer patients. The team is actively assisting several families in need at this time.

Saturday, April 4

Mifflin County Cheerleaders Egg Your Yard

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5. The cheerleaders will secretly deliver and scatter candy-filled eggs in your yard the night before Easter for your kids to wake up and find. Also suitable for businesses and organizations. Packages include: 25 eggs for $25; 50 eggs for $40; 75 eggs for $55; and golden eggs for $5 each. Spots are limited. Schedule today at https://forms.gle/qiKAo4Aex1jLRjA9A.

Easter Egg Hunt

Fayette Area Lions Den, 158 Lions Den Drive, McAlisterville, 10 a.m. For ages sixth grade and under. Meet in the parking lot. Find Easter eggs and candy.