When German immigrants brought the Osterhase tradition of the Easter bunny to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, they probably had no idea how popular the festivities would become with future generations. Baskets took the place of their traditional nests and plastic candy-filled eggs replaced dyed chicken eggs but children all over America enjoy a traditional easter egg hunt. This year, Clay County children have several opportunities to participate in free egg hunts and other family activities open to the public, so get those baskets ready. 

Here they are in chronological order: 

• The Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt has become a popular annual event for Hayesville families. Hosted by Meadow Grove Baptist Church, the egg hunt is held at 33 Ball Park Drive, the Clay County ball fields. From 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., Saturday, April 20. The rain date will be Sunday, April 21. Attendees enjoy music, food, fellowship and glow in the dark eggs. The event may be found on Facebook or call the church at (828) 389-9444. 

• Hayesville First United Methodist Church, will host an Easter festival from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Located at 989 Business Highway 64, the festival includes activity booths, snacks, an interactive skit and egg hunts at 11:30 a.m. for birth to Pre-K and kindergarten to fourth grade. The event is on Facebook or call 389-8413. 

• The Clay County Rec Park on Myers Chapel Road will once again host the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will be divided by age group with the oldest being nine and up. Bring empty baskets to find some of the 6,000 hidden eggs, but come early because the hunt starts promptly at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20. After the egg hunt, Easter gift baskets will be raffled. Call the Chamber at (828) 389-3704. 

• Enjoy lunch and an easter egg hunt at Pilgrim Baptist Church starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20. 

Pilgrim Baptist Church is on McDonald Road in Hayesville, just off of Highway 69 South. The event is free. 

• The John C. Campbell Folk School will include crafts and entertainment with its Easter egg hunt. 

Beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, the free springtime fun takes place at open house, which is behind Davidson Hall, next to the Folk School gardens. 

Park in the gravel lot on the corner of Brasstown Road and Harshaw Road, across from the Keith House. Call (828) 837-2775 or visit: www. folkschool.org. 

Make sure to grab a raincoat and sweater when venturing out to these events because the Easter bunny foresees cool, rainy temps for Friday and part of Saturday.