Downey’s Farm hosts egg-cellent EasterFest extravaganza

April 9, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Downey’s Farm Market was busy and bustling this Easter weekend as the Easter Bunny and its helpers welcomed thousands to the family-fun farm.

Each year, Downey’s Farm works to ensure everyone has a “hoppy” Easter weekend.

This year’s celebrations took place across two weekends and included numerous activities such as the classic Easter egg hunt, the Easter Story Wagon Ride, face painting, and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself and his helpers as they wandered around the farmyard.

The Downey family has owned and operated the farm since 1920, and it is now run by Darlene Downey and her family.

She recalls the very first Easterfest, more than 25 years ago, and says it was much smaller than the ones run this past weekend.

“Over the years we’ve built the festival, but I do remember, my parents used to run the festival, and it was a lot different than it was today,” says Downey.

“My favourite thing about Downey’s Farm and being able to work here with my family is welcoming other families who have grown up here. We love that we are part of people’s traditions and their memories; it really is special to us and makes hosting Easterfest that much more special,” she says.

And that rang true for many attendees that day.

Natasha Farrace and Valerie Gonzalez attended Easterfest for the first time that day, but Downey’s Farm has been a favourite of theirs for years.

Gonzalez explains that she used to take her teenager to the farm years ago and has now returned.

Farrace attended Downey’s Farm as a child herself, and now is bringing her daughter in a full circle moment.

“I waited all winter for the farms to open!” says Farrace.

Walkers could be seen happily carrying their baskets full of treats, or lined up to see the numerous performances scheduled that day – including a new favourite of many: the Easter Bunny dance party.

“It is so cute,” says Downey as she explains it’s now in its second year at the farm.

Kids of all ages could join the dance party with the Easter Bunny and the new member of the farm, Penny Peep.

Each year, Downey’s Farm adds something new and exciting for the community.

“Myself and a couple of key staff members, we are on the ground, walking around, observing how people are using every activity. We do ask for feedback from guests, from staff, from our performers to see how we can improve every year,” says Downey.

“There’s always room for improvement and we want to make sure that we’re providing the best experience for people coming out to spend their long weekends with us.”

For those who missed out on the Easter fun, Downey’s will be open for the season on May 22, opening daily until October 31, and this year will bring great new attractions and brand-new photo ops.