Wednesday will mark the first day of spring.

The beginning of a new season will also mean the launch of a number of annual activities sponsored by the city of Rocky Mount’s Parks and Recreation Department. As City Manager, I encourage all of our residents to engage in these events which showcase Rocky Mount, particularly the Downtown area, and are fun for individuals and for the entire family.

Kick-off for these spring activities will take place March 23 with the Sunset Easter EGGstravagana. Along with an Easter Egg Hunt for children up to age 12, there will be tons of games, rides and inflatables for the kids.

The Sunset Easter EGGstravaganza will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sunset Park. This is an exciting free initiative for family engagement and fun.

At 11 a.m. on April 6, Sunset Park will also serve as the venue for the celebrated Paws in the Park program.

Dog owners and dog lovers are asked to attend this increasingly popular event, with a pet parade and prizes given to the largest dog, smallest dog, best dressed dog, the dog showcasing the best tricks and more.

Enthusiasm for Downtown Live! has also grown throughout the years, attracting thousands to Downtown Rocky Mount for food, fun and live music on the lawn of the Imperial Centre. Downtown Live! begins May 16 with the Embers. Known as North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music, the Embers have solidified their fan base by creating stellar beach music for music lovers in North Carolina and beyond.

The Embers provide a wonderful start to Downtown Live! However, other bands deemed as favorites in Rocky Mount will perform, including the Voltage Brothers on May 30; Fantastic Shakers on June 13; Tams on June 27; Jim Quick & Coastline on July 11; North Tower on July 25; The Craig Woolard Band on Aug. 8; East Coast Rhythm & Blues Band on Aug. 22; Fantasy on Sept. 5 and the Band of Oz on Sept. 19.

Another Downtown favorite will return June 7. Lawn Chair Theatre happens on the lawn of the Imperial Centre.

Established to provide an opportunity for families to experience fun and to learn more about the Imperial Centre and its offerings, during Lawn Chair Theatre, children watch family oriented movies, and prior to the start of this annual event, attendees are encouraged to visit the Imperial Centre’s Children’s Museum and Science Center, consisting of Cummins Planetarium and the latest exhibit, “Play.”

These are just a few of the many events taking place in Rocky Mount beginning this spring and continuing through Dec. 15.

I encourage you to Discover Downtown Rocky Mount, and be assured your experience will be a pleasant one.

For information on these events as they approach, continue to visit www.rockymountnc.gov, www.downtownrockymount.com, or call 972-1151.