Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis Club Plans April 1st Easter Bunny Bags & Books Drive-Thru Event at Barlow Park
[Ripon, Wisconsin] – A free drive-through event that will provide Easter eggs, candy and books for children ages 10 and under, seeks volunteers and participants from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Barlow Park, Griswold Street, Ripon.
“Members of the Ripon Early Birds Kiwanis Club volunteer at an Easter-themed event every year in an effort to help children thrive, prosper and grow,” said Daniel Parks, club president. “We know kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world.”
Parks said the drive-through project evolved based on community need. “Traditionally, Ripon Early Birds Kiwanis club members organized Easter Egg Hunts for several age groups. When physical distancing requirements made the close proximity of an egg hunt unsafe in 2021, Kiwanians brainstormed ways to afford children the opportunity to enjoy an Easter-themed event without fear of health concerns.
“The drive-through event has been very popular for the past two years,” said President Dan Parks, “so we’re going to build on that style of event to make it even better this year.” In 2022, cars were lined up all the way down Griswold Street past the city limits sign at one point. For 2023, cars will form two lanes with the Easter Bunny in between to reduce the waiting time.
The Ripon Early Birds Kiwanis Club also supports the Kiwanis ‘n Cops ‘n Kids program and is partnering with Ripon Police Department Community Liaison Officer Lindsey Michels to distribute books to children after they receive a bag of eggs from the Easter Bunny. Webbie, the duck mascot from Webster’s Marketplace, Olaf from Frozen, Rooty the Bear from A&W and Rally the Redhawk from Ripon College will also be on hand to greet children as they wait in their vehicles for their turn to see the Easter Bunny and receive their gift bag and book.
John Diedrich, who has been a member of the Kiwanis Club for 35 years, says the club welcomes new members. The Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis Club meets at Mr. and Mrs. Ps Restaurant on West Fond du Lac Street in Ripon at 7 am every Wednesday morning.
“Join us at our service project and find out if Kiwanis is right for you,” said Diedrich. “We have a great time and enjoy planning our fundraisers, too. Our meetings often feature a speaker or incorporate some of the youth programs we sponsor.” The club also supports the Aktion Club at Diverse Options.
“Kids need Kiwanis, now more than ever before, and the Easter Bunny Bags and Books Drive-Thru Event is an example of how our club can meet a need in our community,” said President Daniel Parks. For more information about Ripon Early Birds Kiwanis Club, visit www.facebook.com/RiponEarlyBirdKiwanis or call Joan Karsten at 920-229-1952.
About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, K-Kids for students age 6–12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members 82 nations and geographic areas. Visit www.kiwanis.org for more information.