Two-year-old Ellen Williamson emerged from PNC Field on Saturday with a basketful of colorful eggs. But, when asked about her collected treasures, the toddler slipped her hand into the basket and offered up an Easter egg.
Williamson seemed to be enjoying the spirit of the event rather than the competition.
The Williamson family of Scranton enjoyed an Easter event at PNC Field on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The family also plans to attend opening day on Tuesday. From left, Ellen, 2, J.R., 5, Henry 4, and dad, Anthony. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Youngsters take time for play during an = Easter event at PNC Field on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Champ, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders mascot, greets families at an Easter egg hunt at PNC Field on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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The Williamson family of Scranton enjoyed an Easter event at PNC Field on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The family also plans to attend opening day on Tuesday. From left, Ellen, 2, J.R., 5, Henry 4, and dad, Anthony. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
First thing Saturday morning, Anthony and Ellen Williamson got their three children ready for the event. Avid baseball fans, they left the field not only with eggs, but with tickets for Tuesday’s opening day game.
Their sons, J.R., five, and Henry, four, are already involved in Little League and T-ball, so they especially enjoyed the opportunity to be on the field and at the stadium.
“It was a win/win,” Anthony Williamson said.
Jon Stephenson, RailRiders assistant general manager, estimated 1,500 children participated in the event, which is in its first year.
In addition to the opportunity to collect colorful eggs, families had a chance for a photo with the Easter Bunny or team mascot Champ.
The event continued after the Easter egg hunt, with youngsters staying for a chance to run through the field and spend time with families.
Stephenson was grateful that, in spite of overcast skies, the temperatures were moderate, which is always a concern when it comes to baseball.
For many families, Saturday’s event was their first trip to PNC Field. And some planned a trip back to the field for an upcoming game, Stephenson said.
“We’re a community facility and it’s always nice to see new faces,” he said. “We plan for this to be an annual event.”
An afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny
At Keyser Valley Center in West Scranton, families had a chance to visit with the Easter Bunny, get a basket full of candy and sit to get their faces painted.
Fred Dysard brought his three children, ages 9, 8 and 5, out to the free event for an afternoon of fun.
Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny pose for photos at an Easter event sponsored by Junken Monkeys in West Scranton on April 4, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Savannah Simminavich, 8, gets her face painted at an Easter event at Keyser Valley Center sponsored by Junken Monkeys on Saturday, April 4, 2026. her face painted at an Easter event at Keyser Valley Center sponsored by Junken Monkeys on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Bella Simminavich, 9, gets her face painted at an Easter event at Keyser Valley Center sponsored by Junken Monkeys on Saturday, April 4, 2026 (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Jacob Carver, 5, gets his face painted at an Easter event at Keyser Valley Center sponsored by Junken Monkeys on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny pose for photos at an Easter event sponsored by Junken Monkeys in West Scranton on April 4, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
The children enjoyed all of the activities, including face painting, but were most excited about getting to see Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, who took time for a photo with each child.
Bianca Waltos of Junken Monkeys, who sponsored the event, greeted attendees at the door, along with her daughter Nadia Swingle, 13.
Waltos said families were very grateful to get out to the pre-Easter event.
“It’s a good turnout,” she said.
Swingle also helped fill Easter baskets with chocolate, Swedish fish and jelly beans.
Dysard was grateful for the work of the volunteers that made the day a success.
“It’s absolutely great when they do something like this for the community,” he said.