4-01-2023 12:02pm

The City of Clifton Welcomes Spring with Annual Bunny Bash

Jennifer Algieri welcomes Mr Bunny to Clifton's Bunny Bash!

The Clifton Times attended the Clifton Bunny Bash, which is traditionally held at Nash Park, at the Christopher Columbus Middle School (CCMS) today. It was a bright and lively event, with families from all over Clifton bringing their children to hunt for eggs, play games, get dressed up, and compete in the annual Easter Bonnet parade and contest. The event was put on by the Clifton Recreation Department, along with a host of lovely volunteers from the community and the schools.

Volunteer Candice Errico said that the volunteers spent a busy Friday evening and Saturday morning relocating all the games and decorations from Nash Park, once they got word of the expected rain. She said that everyone wanted to make sure that the event was as wonderful at CCMS as it is in Nash Park, so as not to disappoint the children. She told us that the Bunny Bash has been an annual event in Clifton for over 30 years.

Debbie Oliver, the Recreation Supervisor, told The Clifton Times that the Bunny Bash is a longstanding Clifton tradition and that it used to be called the Easter Egg Run. The name was changed to the Bunny Bash so that it was focused on welcoming spring with all of Clifton's families.

Entering the cafeteria, families got a goody bag from Mrs. Bunny to take home gifts. There was a Bunny Boutique where volunteers were ready to turn all the little children into bunnies with the help of a little face paint. A long craft table featured a selection of crafts for families to do to celebrate spring together, and there were representatives from Clifton School District handing out tokens and rewards to all the children who attended.

Families then went into the gymnasium, which was decorated in spring glory. Mr. Bunny was in attendance and families were able to get photos with him while his lovely assistants, the Recreation Department staff, handed out treats to the children as they left. Mrs. Bunny's game station was manned by volunteers, handing out candy and helping organize games like the Bunny Launch, the Carrot Toss, the Egg Hunt, and Bunny Capture as families were enjoying playing together. Former Mayor Anzaldi was in attendance, talking to families and making everyone feel welcome.

One of the highlights of the event was the Easter Bonnet contest and parade, where Cliftonites showed their talents with fabric, paint, and hot glue. The Mejia family showed us their fancy purple, blue, and yellow bonnets, made with fabric from Five Star Fabric House on Main Avenue. Dana Brown showed us her winning hat featuring glittery lollipops and Loreal Castro posed with her bunny trophy and Mrs. Bunny.

The Clifton Recreation Department and all the lovely volunteers did such a wonderful job on this annual event and brought so much joy to Clifton's children on a rainy Saturday. Nothing stands in the way of a good time when you're in Clifton.

Please check the Clifton Recreation website and The Clifton Times for more fun events for families!