Bunny Brunch builds community bonding in every way possible

The inaugural Bunny Brunch that took place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 21 at the Holmes County Fairgrounds at Harvest Ridge turned out to be everything organizers had hoped it would be and more.

The event came about when Harvest Ridge manager Don Snow contacted Ella Lorentz from Holmes County 4-H/OSU Extension about developing an event that would entice families to come to the fairgrounds during a down time in the year.

What evolved was a collaboration that created an all-inclusive day.

Eventually, Cardinal Therapy Group and Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities stepped in and joined the fun, and together the groups pooled their resources to create a special day for all kids.

“We love any opportunity to partner with teammates like 4-H, the Board of Developmental Disabilities and Harvest Ridge,” said Tara Martin, wellness director and community liaison with Cardinal Therapy. “When you get this type of partnership and collaboration, it benefits everyone. And to make it an all-inclusive effort makes so much sense. There shouldn’t be anyone who feels they didn’t have an opportunity to have a great time today.”

The day was accessible for children and individuals with special sensory needs.

“That was one of our biggest goals of the day, to make sure we included opportunities for those with sensory needs to be able to enjoy everything we were offering,” Lorentz said.

In the ag building, a host of area agencies, organizations and businesses set up tables filled with games, toys, trinkets and activities that kept youngsters hopping.

Across the way in the expo center, Kissel Amusement had set up nearly a dozen rides, games and food vendors, creating a carnival atmosphere that began at noon, albeit with one caveat: The 60 minutes prior to the grand opening of the carnival, Kissel Amusement opened its doors and invited kids and adults with sensory needs to come in and experience the excitement of the rides for free.

That included not having the typical loud music and colorful lights, instead providing a more serene setting.

Outside, the area in the fairgrounds normally reserved for the carnival rides and concessions was instead squared off, and inside each section lay more than 7,000 plastic eggs filled with sweet treats and coupons for the kids.

“We realized there hadn’t been a large countywide community Easter egg hunt in the Millersburg area since the pandemic,” Lorentz said. “It all came together beautifully, and it became so much more than we ever expected.”

The countdown to go time set forth a tidal wave of children pouring over the sections lined off for various ages, and the kids went to work snatching up eggs and placing them in their baskets.

It didn’t take long for the eggs to disappear, and families returned to the ag building to open the eggs and discover the bounty inside.

After noon everyone returned to enjoy Kissel Amusement’s offerings until dark.

Lorentz spearheaded the organization of the event and said seeing so many people thriving in the atmosphere was exhilarating.

“This is so much more than I ever dreamed it would be,” Lorentz said.

As for Kissel Amusement’s involvement in offering something free to individuals with sensory needs, it isn’t the first time the company has stepped up and delivered.

“Kissel has done a lot of that type of thing people won’t ever realize,” Holmes County Senior Fair Board member Jamie Darr said. “People just think of them as these carnival people that come and go, but when you get to know them, they are warm and caring, and we have developed a wonderful relationship with them.”

The event proved to be something special, and it was all because of the way Holmes County came together to create a special day designed to include everyone.

“This is a perfect way of how our community works together,” said Tiffany Gerber, executive director of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. “We’ve given our kids something fun to do, we’ve created a great day for families to spend time together, we are helping Harvest Ridge during a slow time, and all these great nonprofits and organizations get a chance to connect with parents. All this support is inspiring, and I’m blown away by all this participation.”

The Holmes County Junior Fair Board also played a huge role, filling Easter eggs full of candy and placing the eggs in the field. Member Regan Mackey said they were grateful to be included and said their involvement included the BeYou Livestock Show table and showcasing the petting zoo animals on hand.

The special sensory needs ride hour was sponsored by Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities.