You may have gotten tired of all the Hallmark Christmas movies that were showing in July, and if so, it may not be so hard to think about Easter in August. Therefore, the seventh annual EasterFest, returning to North Topeka on Saturday, August 29, may be just what you need. Especially for all the kids who didn’t get many Easter eggs back in April.
After all, celebrating late is better than not at all!
“Christians celebrate the Resurrection in a small way every Sunday, so August is as good a time as any to have our big annual celebration,” a spokesperson said.
Two thousand people attended last year to watch the parade, visit the Fun Fair, listen to live music, visit over 70 vendors & food trucks, attend the Health Fair and take part in the big egg hunt or other activities.
Every year, dozens of churches, businesses and non-profit organizations take part and set up vendor booths and kids’ games as part of the family fun fair. This year, there will be no parade.
Another big difference this year will be Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing, hand sanitizer and masks as appropriate. People with symptoms are asked to stay home. Signage and loudspeaker announcements will remind and encourage everyone to observe mask rules, social distance rules, etc.
Buildings will be monitored to prevent crowding, and there will be one entrance and one exit to facilitate one-way traffic.
The free Egg Hunt will be socially distanced as kiddos spread out and go from booth to booth to gather the eggs! Over 3000 eggs will be handed out!
Signs and markings will help you social distance, and hand sanitizer will be available. Tables and restrooms will be sanitized regularly as needed. 
Seating will be spaced apart, and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
From 10am to 3pm, vendor booths, food trucks and kid’s activities will be happening all over Garfield Park, inside the shelterhouse and inside the gym. Live music will be heard from the gazebo in the park as three different bands, including the Blues Healer Band, will perform. Other performers include New Hope Worship band, and Roger Randel.
The Family Fun Fair will consist of activities geared toward children and families, as well as health & wellness vendor booths, vendor exhibits, and more. Live performers will be on hand all day, such as dance troupes, praise bands, solo artists, street entertainers, fitness demonstrators and more.
Back this year at EasterFest is Bingo at the Vendor Market, with great prizes valued at over $20 donated by the vendors and sponsors. The Ball Toss will be back, with a chance to win a bicycle, and the ever-popular Cake Walk returns as well. The Easter Bunny will be back to take pictures with the kids this year too! Facepainting, pony rides, petting zoo and food trucks are always among the most popular attractions, as well as the free entertainment.
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There is still room for more EasterFest sponsors and participants for the Vendor Market, Entertainment Stage, Food Court and Health Fair. Volunteers are also needed to help with the entire event.
Major sponsors for EasterFest 2020 include Integrity Insurance, Peggy Beasterfeld Tax & Accounting, Metro Voice News, Capital City Flooring, Health & Wellness Magazine, The Pad Restaurant, College HUNKS, ServPro and Golden Eagle Casino.
The event, which takes place from 10am to 3pm, is coordinated by C5Alive, a Christian leadership offshoot of the Capital City Christian Chamber of Commerce (C5).
For more information, visit www.TopekaEasterParade.com, email info@C5Alive.org or call 785-640-6399.
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice
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