Last weekend’s photos with the Easter Bunny event, sponsored by the Royalton Hills Lions, was the first large-scale event conducted by a North Royalton civic organization in more than a year, and its success was two-fold: club members were thrilled to be with the public again meeting new faces and providing a service, and residents were happy to support the community and bring their children out to an enjoyable event. The weather was also a bonus providing clear, sunny skies and spring-like temperatures.
“They are very excited to be here with the Easter Bunny,” said local parent Janelle Madzia of her children Emmalynn and James. “I’m so happy North Royalton is starting to come around with hosting events. I think this pandemic has really been the hardest on the kids. It’s almost like they have to learn how to be kids again.”
The photo event, held March 20 and 21 at the Memorial Park Pavilion, was a homerun hit with dozens of families (and some pets too) lined up for their chance to pose with the Easter Bunny (Lion Josie Prokop), who sat seated on a bench overlooking the pond. A donation of $5 was requested for an emailed digital photo, and for an additional $5, families could pick between a 5×7 or 8×10 print. All proceeds benefited Royalton Hills Lions service projects, local high school scholarships and disaster relief efforts.
This Sunday, March 28, the Royalton Hills Lions will partner with the North Royalton Lions to sponsor a free Community Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 1 p.m. at the Memorial Park Playground for children ages 2-8. The Easter Bunny will be walking the grounds visiting with children and members of the North Royalton High School Key Club will be on-hand to help. Eggs will be filled with candy pieces thanks to the residents of Royalton Woods, who took time to fill the individual eggs. Children will be let into the playground in small groups to find their eggs.
Joan Gambert, a seven-year member of the Royalton Hills Lions, is happy to be assisting with large-scale service projects once again. Members have stayed active throughout the pandemic, but with smaller-scale projects that adhered to Covid guidelines and safety protocols.
“It’s always a good time and it’s nice meeting people,” she said of her service experiences.
Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz was on-site greeting club members as the photo event got underway March 20. He made mention that some large-scale city events are in the works. Residents should watch the City’s Facebook page for details as they become available in the warm months to come.
This Saturday, March 27, from noon to 3 p.m., the North Royalton City Council will conduct an Easter Parade through city streets. The Easter Bunny will hop on the Euclid Beach Rocket Car for a ride through city streets waving hello to residents as he goes by. According to the City of North Royalton’s Facebook page, the Cleveland APL, the Jump Yard, Kona Ice and the schools will have cars in the parade. A map of the parade route is available on the City of North Royalton’s Facebook page. The event is being sponsored by Council, the Mayor, North Royalton City Schools, and a number of local businesses. More information will be available in the March 26 edition of the City newsletter.
The Easter Bunny City Tour will start at noon and end at City Hall at about 3 p.m.   It begins State Road south to Riverview Dr. to Waterbridge Circle  to Edgerton Rd. back to State Rd. North (Royalwood Center).  Turning East on Wallings Rd. (Valley Vista Parking lot) to Royal Valley Dr. to Dublin Dr. to Bunker Dr.- back out to go South on State Rd. to Wallings Rd.(Drug Mart Parking Lot) going west to Parliament Dr. to Tudor Circle to Sherwood Trail to Iron Gate Dr. back to go North on Ridge Rd. Then head West on Tilby Rd. to Ripley Rd. to Timber Ridge Dr. and back out to West on Sprague and then South on York Rd. to West on Albion Rd. to South on Abbey Road (Royal Redeemer parking lot).  Tour will go west on 82 – South on 130th and East onto Edgerton to Akins Rd. to York Rd. South to Bennett Rd. South.  Will turn on Morning Star Dr. to Tanglewood Dr. to  Bridgewater Dr. to Bennett Rd to Lytle Rd.to Boston Rd. going east to Fawnhaven Dr. to Harrow Place to Rye Gate Rd.to Nottingham Pkwy. back to Bennett Rd. North.  Bennett to York Rd. North (Aukerman Park and York Rd ballfields).  York Rd. North to Bentley Drive to turn around on Coventry Ct. back out to York Rd. going south to Washington Rd.  Washington Rd. going East all the way up to Ridge Rd. with plenty of sidewalks all along the way.  Ridge Rd. South to Royalwood Rd. east to State Rd. South and back to end his tour at City Hall.

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer