MARTINS FERRY — Easter activities are being planned across the Ohio Valley for children and families to enjoy.

And joy is something many people are seeking this spring after going through the last year and the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the virus is not yet gone, fewer cases of the disease are being reported, allowing states to loosen some restrictions regarding activities and gatherings. More people are getting vaccinated to try and avoid getting infected with the virus as well.

Following are some of the Easter activities that local communities are planning across the Ohio Valley:

To help children in its community have fun and celebrate Easter, the Bellaire Planning Committee and the Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department have teamed up to bring the Easter Bunny to the village. Starting at 1 p.m. April 3, the Easter Bunny will ride atop a fire engine around the village for all to see. Children can observe from their yards. Treat bags and a restaurant coupon will be handed out to children, too. The ride route will begin in the northern part of the village and end in the southern part.

“We are super excited to be able to have connections to The Easter Bunny, aka E.B., with such a short notice, to be able to bring a little bit of fun to the kiddos during such a scary time. Hopefully by next year we’ll be able to have an actual Egg Hunt,” the committee said on its Facebook page. “Our No. 1 priority will always be the safety of the kiddos. We are so excited to see everyone’s smiling faces. Let’s make sure to give E.B. a huge Bellaire welcome.”

In Martins Ferry, the Easter Bunny is slated to ride on top of a Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department engine from 1-4 p.m. April 3. The ride is expected to begin on the south end of the city.

In Harrison County, the Easter Bunny is set to participate in a drive-through event at the Freeport Firehouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27. Treats will be passed out to children as they are greeted by the bunny. This event is sponsored by the Lakeland Democratic Women.

In Brookside, the Easter Bunny is scheduled to ride on a fire engine belonging to the Brookside Fire Department starting at 1 p.m. March 28.

The Warren Township Lions Club is set to host the Easter Bunny during a drive-by event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 3 at the Lions Shelter at Warren Township Park, Tiltonsville. Treats will also be given to the children attending. This event is sponsored by local churches, the Lions and Texas Roadhouse at The Highlands.

Brooke Hills Park in Wellsburg will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt Trail starting at 1 p.m. March 28. This is for children in fourth grade and younger. There is a fee to participate.

The village of Bethesda is planning an Easter egg hunt for April 3. The times are not set yet and will be announced at a later date.

The village of Belmont also is scheduled to hold an Easter egg hunt at 9 a.m. April 3 at the village playground by the gymnasium.

An Easter Treasure Hunt is being held at Oglebay Park’s Good Zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2-3. There is a cost. Children will receive a ticket to get a treat basket after “hopping their way throughout the zoo.” The Easter Bunny will also be there for children to see. To register, call 304-243-4100.

And for those wanting to stay close to home, a backyard egg hunt might be just the thing to celebrate the religious holiday, which is April 4.