It isn’t possible to take your kids to see the Easter Bunny this year.

So, the City of Lathrop is bringing the Easter Bunny to the people.

Today, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the flashing lights and sirens people hear in their neighborhoods likely won’t be an emergency, but the Easter Bunny’s chariot as it rides through the community of a Lathrop Manteca Fire District engine.

After the city canceled it’s tremendously popular “Breakfast with the Bunny” event to adhere to California’s social distancing guidelines, the city began looking for other ways to break up the monotony of quarantining in place and giving residents something that they could look forward to.

By shifting almost all of its recreational opportunities online so that residents can participate from the comfort from their own homes – taking virtual trips, tackling workouts, and even doing arts and crafts – the city hopes to engage with residents who could be asked to remain inside for weeks.

The San Joaquin County Public Health Officer has asked residents to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines even as Easter approaches – hoping that people will stay home rather than visit the homes of other families or organize any community events, including church services, where people can gather and the COVID-19 virus can be easily transmitted from person-to-person.

The shelter in place order is expected to impact three of the world’s major religions during their holy seasons. Passover and Easter are affected this week, and later this month Ramadan – the holy month of fasting that includes regular gatherings by Muslims after the sun goes down – is supposed to begin.

 Today’s parade route is supposed to stretch through the majority of Lathrop’s residential neighborhoods so that people can participate in the Easter-themed event without actually leaving their property.

In addition to the Easter Parade, the city is promoting a series of Easter-themed activities online for families to participate in – from activities, to stories, to songs meant to bring people together.

Those interested in participating can visit www.courseco.com/easter and take advantage of the free offerings that the site provides.

For more information about the City of Lathrop’s online recreation programs, visit the city’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us and click on the link for Parks and Recreation.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.