By 1808Delaware
On Saturday, March 28, families will stream into McNamara Park for one of the area’s most cheerful rites of spring. From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Bunny Trail transforms the park into a walkable candy hunt, community fair, and outdoor celebration all rolled into one.
The event unfolds along a one-third mile paved path that winds through the park, making it accessible for strollers and little legs alike. Children are encouraged to bring a basket or bag and collect candy along the route while keeping an eye out for oversized eggs tucked into the woods. It is part scavenger hunt, part spring promenade.
McNamara Park can be accessed from two entrances. The south entrance is located at 7049 Big Walnut Road in Galena, and the east entrance at 4848 S Old 3C Highway in Westerville. The two entry points connect by walking path, not by road, so parking strategy matters, and parking does fill quickly.
Organizers strongly recommend using the shuttle service from Fouse Elementary School. Community partners Delaware Area Transit and Westerville City Schools will run shuttle buses to and from the park, easing congestion and making the arrival process smoother for everyone. Limited on-site parking is available at both entrances, with additional spaces at the Police Station and Township Hall, about a half-mile walk away.
More Than a Candy Walk
While the candy trail anchors the event, the surrounding activities are what keep families lingering. This year introduces a new attraction: the Extreme Air Bouncer, open to participants at least 42 inches tall. There will also be train rides, a petting zoo, hands-on games including putt-putt golf, crafts, carrot planting for kids to take home, and a classic touch-a-truck area.
Children can meet local firefighters and police officers, including a therapy K9. And, of course, there will be photo opportunities with Mr. Bunny himself, which tends to draw a steady line.
Lunch in a Giant Egg
If you plan to stay awhile, lunch is available on-site. W.G. Grinders on Hard Road, owned by Genoa Township resident Tracy Damschroder, will offer “Bunny Food” charcuterie picnic lunches in two options: $10 for kids and $15 for adults. Meals are served inside a large plastic egg, complete with everything pictured in promotional materials. Baskets are not included. It is a smart addition. Families often underestimate how long children will want to explore once they arrive.
A Community Effort
Volunteers help run games, distribute candy, assist costumed characters, and manage the moving parts that make the morning feel effortless. Those interested can register in advance and experience the event from behind the scenes.
At its core, the Bunny Trail is simple. It invites neighbors to step outside after a long winter, walk together, and celebrate the season. In a growing area where new families are arriving each year, that kind of shared tradition matters. If you are planning to attend, arrive early, consider the shuttle, and bring a sturdy basket. Spring, at least for a couple of hours, will officially be underway.
