By Andy Warrener
The Laker/Lutz New Correspondent
Throngs of families filled the center square at The Shops at Wiregrass March 13 in anticipation of the Easter bunny’s arrival.
In advance of the special guest, children decorated paper hats and put together Easter bags, among other crafts. There were also balloon animals, face paintings and a bounce house.
One of the highlights, apart from the Easter bunny, was musician Tommy Girvin, or Mr. Tommy, who is a former guitarist for Eddie Money.
“We come here every time Mr. Tommy is here,” said New Tampa resident Danica Peters, who attended with her 4-year-old son Jayse. “We’ve only missed one show in two and a half years, and that was because my son was sick.”
The Easter bunny did finally make his appearance to a raucous reception. He will be at the shops until the big egg hunt on March 30. The shops will have different hunts for three different age groups.
Debbie Detweiler, marketing director at the shops, said the arrival event benefited the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The shops have community events like this arrival throughout the year on Wednesdays, along with Movies on the Lawn on Thursdays.
“The Shops (at Wiregrass) have become a community gathering place,” Detweiler said.
