[Columbia, SC] - Easter enthusiasts can start celebrating the egg-cellent holiday one week early this year because Riverbanks' annual Bunny Breakfast still has a few open seats.

"This is typically a sold-out members only event," said Dusty Broadway, events manager at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "This year, we increased capacity and as a result, a lot of families are surprised to learn that they've still got a chance to get their kids into this event."

You don't have to be a rabbit devotee to enjoy the Bunny Breakfast. Riverbanks executive chef Marcus Coleman wows both kids and adults with an extraordinary Southern buffet featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy and piping hot pancakes.

A gourmet breakfast means little to a five-year-old, however, compared with the chance to meet the real Easter Bunny in person. Families are encouraged to bring cameras to take advantage of a free sitting with the life-sized hare.

Breakfast prices are $16 for adults and children over eight years old, $12 for children aged three to seven and free for kids under three. Zoo admission is not included with the price of breakfast. Seating begins at 9:00am. Call 803.779.8717, x1601 or visit www.riverbanks.org to make last-minute reservations. No walk-ups.