Belleville Community Sprit Shines: Easter Bunny, Cherry Blossoms

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Belleville Township. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Hundreds of children of all ages got a chance to wave hello to the Easter Bunny and take in some of the cherry blossoms that the township is famous for.

Saturday’s Eastern Bunny and Cherry Blossom Caravan pop-up event was a huge success, with dozens of cars slowly making their way down charming tree-lined streets on a sunny spring day.

Mayor Michael Melham said that in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis, it was an afternoon of much-needed fun for the whole family.

“This was a great event for the town,” Mayor Michael Melham said. “It was great because it gave everyone a safe way to get out of their homes and join in with their neighbors in celebrating Easter. There was a tremendous sense of community, togetherness and fun.”

Although the Easter Bunny couldn’t pose for photos or hand out Easter candy due to the social distancing orders meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the signs of the holiday were everywhere.

Several of the residents along the route joined in the event, posting inspirational signs or decorating their homes with balloons in spring colors.

Other families smiled and waved from their doors and windows at the cars crept past their homes.

And with Belleville’s famous cherry blossoms serving as a picturesque backdrop, it was an afternoon where – even with the social distancing measures – Belleville was able to come together.

“Belleville residents have shown a lot of spirit and resiliency in the face of this health crisis,” Melham said. “This is a tight-knit community. It was beautiful to see the genuine, heart-felt expressions of neighborly love. The waves, the smiles, the decorations - everyone spread some happiness for a few hours.”

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