Valley kids hop on down to Mill Creek MetroParks for Bunny Day

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK | news@vindy.com

CANFIELD

The Easter Bunny had plenty of company at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm Saturday when Junior Fair exhibitors brought their own bunnies to share with visitors for Bunny Day.

“They brought their rabbits out to share with the community,” said Kimberly Moff, program co-coordinator.

The partnership between the Mahoning County Junior Fair Rabbit Committee and the MetroParks aimed to teach people about the proper care of rabbits, she said.

“A bunny is a pet you have to take care of all year long,” she said.

Matthew Sinley, 12, of Beloit brought his Californian rabbit, Hershey, to the event. Matthew sat on a blanket in the sun with the black and white bundle of fur so kids could pet him.

Kids seemed to like Hershey, Matthew said.

The event teaches kids about different breeds of rabbits and how to care for them, he said.

Matthew has owned Hershey for a month and a half, but has owned others. He said they make good pets.

“They’re easy to take care of and sometimes they chill with you,” he said.

His mother, Patricia Sinley, also attended.

“I think it’s a great experience for him to show off what he knows and learn a little bit more that he doesn’t,” she said. “He loves to show off his rabbit.”

Matthew is a member of 4-Hers Unlimited, an Ellsworth 4H club.

Christian Steed, 2, of Poland enjoyed petting the rabbits, and said they were soft.

His favorite was a brown and white Rex named Zeus, owned by Abigail Catlos, 13, of New Middletown.

“He is extremely excited about bunnies, and he’s learning songs about hop, hop, hop,” said Christian’s mom, Karen Steed. “He’s really having fun.”

The family has a dog and cat. Christian is an animal lover, Steed said.

“We just came from an egg hunt, so this is a perfect ending to a beautiful day before Easter,” she added. “We’re really happy the park offers these free events. It’s really nice for families to be able to come out.”

Also included were face-painting, crafts and a breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Profits from those will be donated to the park as a thank-you for allowing the junior fair committees to use the facilities throughout the year, Moff said.

Other events are planned. A goat day will take place in May, and a pocket pet day will be in July. Pocket pets include hamsters, mice and similar rodents.