SPRINGFIELD – This weekend the Easter Bunny is coming to town early, which means colorful painted eggs are cropping up around town.
Here are five things to do around Springfield this weekend.

Easter Egg Hunt at Sugar Creek
What: Sugar Creek UMC in Chatham is inviting friends, family and neighbors to the Sugar Creek Easter egg hunt. Whether you’re an eagle-eyed pro or a baby bunny all eggs considered, grab your Easter basket and your running shoes, get ready for what this church calls a “sweet” time.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: 1022 New City Road, Chatham
More: This hunt is free to the public.
Parkway Easter Egg Hunt
What: After you unload the haul from the first Easter egg hunt of the day, head on over to Parkway Christian Church in the afternoon for another one!
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Parkway Christian, 2700 Lindbergh Blvd., Springfield
More: There will be two age groups: five years old and under, and then ages six to 12.
Loaded Spud Fest
What: Some people say that a potato is the most versatile vegetable, and vendors want customers at this weekend event to try every form imaginable — loaded, stacked, topped, and totally delicious. Each vendor will be rolling out their own creative loaded potato specials, so come hungry and ready to taste your way through the fest. Live music, sweets and drinks will be available to sweeten the meal deal.
When: Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Railyard on Route 66, 2242 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: A full list of vendors can be found on the Railyard Facebook page.
Good Vibes music festival
What: Looking for a whole day to get lost in a good wine and just as good music? Join the Danenberger Family Vineyards for the Good News, Good Vibes Music Festival, an ode to five years worth of Good News Entertainment and community support. With performances all day long from 2 to 11 p.m., proceeds from the event will be donated to support DJ Ric “Skippy” Major’s recovery efforts following the devastating Curve Inn fire.
When: Doors open at 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: 12341 Irish Road, New Berlin
More: Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and can be purchased at goodnewsent.biz. This is a vineyard, so drinks can only be purchased by people 21 and over.
Meet and Greet with the Easter Bunny
What: No Easter baskets are needed to meet a special “employee” at SCHEELS this weekend. The Easter Bunny will be there to take photos with kids and families.
When: Noon Sunday
Where: 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield
More: This is a free event meant for families, but no eggs will be spread out for this photo opportunity.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@usatodayco.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Loaded Spud Fest, Easter egg hunts among 5 things to do in Springfield
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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