The Easter Bunny will be sharing some treats with area children a little early this season.

The Ironton Business Association, with help from the Ironton Fire Department, will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 6 p.m. April 19 on the Lawrence County Courthouse lawn.

The event is open to children up to 11 years old, and the egg hunt will be sectioned off by age groups.

“All in all it’s a good time,” said IBA President Rich Patrick. “I encourage everyone to come down and watch it.” Patrick laughed, saying it is amazing to see how 1,200 eggs can be picked up in about two minutes.

Patrick said the children will need to bring their own bag or basket to collect their eggs.

Patrick said the egg hunt will start promptly when the bank clock across the street from the courthouse says 6 p.m.

The Ironton Fire Department will transport the Easter Bunny to the courthouse.

Louie Sheridan, Ironton firefighter, said the IFD will help by filling and hiding the eggs, and setting up zones for different age groups, and will be helping again this year.

“We are citizens of the community and most of us have kids, or our kids are grown and older,” Sheridan said. “It’s an enjoyable thing to do. We’re more than happy to help out especially with it being for the kids and youth of Lawrence County.”

Patrick said they have had as many as 70 children participate in years past.

“We just do this for the kids,” Patrick said. “We don’t want any kind of recognition from it. I know there are some people out there who can’t afford candy for their children, or who aren’t involved with a church that has an Easter egg hunt.”

Patrick added that he also likes to host the Easter egg hunt for selfish reasons.

“I have a good time watching the kids have a good time,” he said. “Nothing stirs the soul like watching kids that are happy.”

The IBA will take pictures of the children with the Easter Bunny for $2.

If the egg hunt is canceled due to rain, the new date will be April 20, though the Easter Bunny’s availability on that date is unknown.