Beloved bunny and friends prepare for annual visit

BELMONT — Peter Rabbit, the mischievous but beloved bunny from the Beatrix Potter story, will pay a special visit to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden along with his friends Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail on March 25 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventure comes right off the pages of the popular children’s tale as guests meet characters from the story and enjoy fun hands-on activities around the garden.  Crafts and activities for children include a scavenger hunt, basket making, a potato stamp craft, a bunny ear craft, lawn games, face painting and carriage rides ($6/adult, $4/child, cash only). Mrs. Rabbit will read Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventure at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Lost Hollow’s Hillside Theatre. A wide selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase both days.

Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventure is free with garden admission. Admission for garden members is free, $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors 60 and over, and $6.95 for children 2-12. For more information, visit www.DSBG.org.

New this year, the garden will offer Peter Rabbit’s Spring Card Making for ages 6 to 14 at select times throughout the weekend. Registration is required online at www.dsbg.org or by calling 704-829-1252 and the cost is $10 per child. Children will learn the basics of creating personalized cards with spring-themed cut-outs and adornments with instruction from Marilyn Evans, garden volunteer and artist. Participants will make two cards to take home and all materials will be provided. Classes will be offered during the following times:

• Saturday, March 25; 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25; 1 – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, March 26; 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 26; 2 – 3 p.m.

Also new this year, Sproutycakes Bakery is hosting a Mad Hatter Tea Party on both March 25 and 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. each day for $35 per child. Children will enjoy an afternoon of magical fun with refreshments, games and wonderland-themed activities. Pre-registration is required online at www.dsbg.org or by calling 704-829-1252.

Jeni Buchanan Photography will be available to take professional photos of your children/family against a beautiful outdoor spring vignette. Please note, personal photography is not permitted during the photo session. Limited appointments available, reservations required. Register online at www.dsbg.org or call 704-829-1252.