PETERSBURG – The Easter Bunny is apparently the latest victim of budget-cutting.

The Upper Township mayor and committee have announced that the township’s Easter Egg Hunt has been canceled this year because of a lack of funds and manpower.

Committeeman Sam Palombo said he met with the Parks and Recreation Department, and they made the difficult decision.

“It’s a budgetary issue and a manpower issue,” Palombo said. “Unfortunately, we made the tough decision that we won’t be doing that anymore.”

The Easter Egg Hunt was traditionally held at Amanda’s Field unless it was raining. The event was paid for by the township.

Mayor Curtis Corson said the township had looked for a private vendor to continue the hunt, at a new location.

Palombo also referred to the Fourth of July fireworks event, saying the township might consider looking for another vendor or changing the date. The fireworks have always been on July 4, but this year the vendor is no longer available.

Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.