For fans of chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny, Saturday, April 8 will be hopping in Middleboro and Lakeville.

The downtown Middleboro business community hopes the public will hop on by Saturday, April 8 for the second annual Easter egg hunt. 

The event, which took place for the first time last year, will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is sponsored by Middleboro Merchants.

Participating businesses will hide eggs in their stores for children to find. Stores involved in the activity will have a sign out front.

The Easter Bunny will also be hopping around to greet children and take photos.

In addition to being available randomly throughout the afternoon, the Easter bunny will also sit on a bench in front of Customer Decorator from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Last year about 50 to 75 families participated, said Sandy Nolan-Cronin, co-owner of Rekindled and the lead contact for Middleboro Merchants.

She hopes to improve on that number this year. 

While children search for candy-filled eggs, adults can learn about the stores downtown, Nolan-Cronin said. 

“People drive through like we’re a bypass,’’ she said, often without realizing the variety of businesses in the town center. Visitors can view custom furniture, get a cell phone fixed and purchase a birthday gift, among other offerings, without having to travel out of town, Nolan-Cronin said.

“They can do downtown with their kids, have fun and welcome spring,’’ she said.

That is not the only Easter event scheduled in Middleboro and Lakeville.

Earlier in the day of the downtown activity, Meetinghouse Church will host an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8 at the lawn of Middleboro Town Hall. 

Thousands of eggs will be available for children to find at the event. 

Nolan-Cronin encourages people to attend the 10 a.m. event, grab a bite to eat or do some shopping and then search for the eggs in downtown businesses.

At 11 a.m., Saturday, April 8, the Lakeville Lions will host their Easter egg hunt at the Lions clubhouse, 170 Main St., Lakeville.

Those nine and younger can search for traditional chocolate Easter eggs and a surprise item.

Children should bring their own Easter baskets. Pictures will be available with the Easter bunny.