Last year it was a field covered in ice, this year it was a downpour; both times the Ferris Lane Community Church’s annual Easter Egg Hunt was a massive success.
In its 8th year, the FLCC’s 'It’s A Spring Thing' egg hunt took place today, with just over 400 people hitting a wet soccer field to grab all the goodies that were placed there as early as 7 a.m. The church’s Outreach Director Krista Halbert looks forward to the event every year, despite the large amount of work that goes into putting it on.
“About a week ago we had close to 40 people from our church, daycare and around the community come out to our gym and fill the plastic eggs with chocolate eggs,” said Halbert. “We always joke that it takes hours and hours of planning, hard work and clean-up just to have the kids scoop up the eggs in about seven minutes. But it really is so very worth it to see the kids laughing and enjoying the day no matter the weather.”
15,000 plastic eggs stuffed with just over 240lbs of chocolate is quite a sight to see. The church’s soccer field was a multi-coloured delight for the hundreds who pulled into the parking lot.
There were hot dogs, sausages, pop and hot chocolate for sale, but the hunt was free. Pastor Mark Coulter was there to not only greet those attending but also to witness the organized chaos.
“I never miss this,” said Coulter. I love watching the kid’s eyes get big as they look at the field and the parent’s faces when they watch their little ones having so much fun. We do many events like this throughout the year and always will. It really is a joy for us to open the doors here and show folks that we just like having a good time with no pressure from anyone; just come have fun.”
One of the families out having fun was the Craft family, Devan (father), Tia (mother) and their sons Landon (5) and Easton (4). With wet jackets and feet, Devan was all smiles knowing his boys had a place to come and enjoy some festive fun for free.
“It’s really nice here,” said Devan. “You come in, mingle with other parents and watch your kids have fun but there is never any pressure to do more; it’s such great community event and we’ll come every year.”
The Craft boys loved the day too, but weren’t too focused on the community aspect. Their smiles were for very simple reasons when asked what their favourite part of the day was.
“The chocolate,” they both answered.
