Harvest Youth Board plans second-annual community Books & Bunnies Event

Martinsville, Va. — The Harvest Youth Board is inviting local youth and their families to a fun event that combines Easter egg hunts and fun, interactive activities with books!

On March 25th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex Amphitheater, local youth (ages 0-12) and families are invited to participate in the Harvest Youth Board’s Second Annual Books and Bunnies event. 

The free event will consist of two Easter egg hunts - the first of which will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m.  Both hunts are intended for children, ages 12 and under. Local organizations will offer fun crafts and engaging activities for youth from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Easter Bunny will also hop by to take pictures with attendees.  In addition to the fun activities, youth attending the event will receive an age-appropriate book. In case of rain or inclement weather, the event will be held April 1.

Webb Garrett, member of the Harvest Youth Board, expressed his love for this event and the large impact it has on the community. 

“We believe that books are a key to unlocking a child’s potential, and we are excited to host the Books and Bunnies event to promote literacy and a love of reading in our community. Through fun activities like egg hunts, crafts, and food trucks, we hope to make reading a joyous experience for children of all ages. Our primary focus is on improving literacy levels and fostering a lifelong love of learning, and we are thrilled to provide a book to every child that attends,” said Garrett.

The Harvest Youth Board partnered with Smart Beginnings of Martinsville & Henry County and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge last year to provide 2,000 free books for the event. Their donations from last year will be used again this year.  Other participating organizations include The Blue Ridge Public Library, Dan River Basin Association, Eden’s Joy Bunny Garden, KNS Events, Kat & Co. Balloonz, Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health & Wellness, SPCA of Martinsville & Henry County, and the Piedmont Arts Teen Council. 

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Books and Bunnies event. More adult volunteers are needed for this event.  The Harvest Youth Board asks those willing to help to arrive by 10:00 a.m. and to stay until 2:30 p.m. on March 25th. Volunteers may choose to help at the check-in station, assist with the book giveaway, or help with one of the interactive activities. 

“Special Events has been working hard to put together this year’s Books and Bunnies Event, and we are super excited to see the event grow this year,” said Cristiano Di Maro, Harvest Youth Board Special Events Committee chair.

“Books & Bunnies is an amazing event that combines literacy with fun activities and prizes. I’m looking forward to a spectacular event March 25th,” said Piper Doughton, Chairperson of the Harvest Youth Board.

Harvest Youth Board Member, Alexa Martell, says, “I am very excited for Books and Bunnies this year! Being a volunteer last year was a great experience and I am thrilled to be a part of the process. I can’t wait to be able to see all the children and I know it turns into a great experience for everyone who attends!”

To find out more about the Books and Bunnies event, visit The Harvest Youth Board Facebook or Instagram pages. 

About The Harvest Youth Board:

The Harvest Youth Board was created in June 2015 to develop projects and initiatives important to young people in Martinsville-Henry County, and to advise the Harvest Foundation Board of Directors on issues relating to youth. The board is supported by the Harvest Foundation and the Kiwanis Club. Grants are available to nonprofits in Martinsville-Henry County for up to $5,000.