Families fill Meeks Park for Easter celebration

But first, kiddos were happy to take part in the First Annual Bunny Run. Divided into two age groups, the little ones ran half a mile accompanied by parents, and their older counterparts were led by a tall bunny dressed in overalls down a mile-long circle to work out any pre-hunt jitters.

Not everyone participated in the run, though; there was an alternative option that still offered an outlet for activity. A playlist had been put together and a small space behind the parking lot cleared so that kids of all ages could dance along.

Plenty of excitement remained for the main event after the running and dancing. As opposed to last year’s plan of letting everyone loose at once, the eggs were laid out in multiple fields and along the banks of Butternut Creek, which helped families with multiple children of varying ages.

Once again sorted by age – 4 and Under, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12 – the basket-toting babes were bid to go when their group was called. And each time, there was a scramble to pick up the multicolored prizes.

As in years past, there were special golden eggs filled with jellybeans to pick out, and a few “obstacles” like tunnels or tubs were placed in the fields for the youngest groups. The older kids, trusted to be safe around the water, were allowed to venture out and hunt the eggs along the creek bank and park proper.

Some hauled back multiple baskets and others toddled along with just one, but it’s safe to say everyone got to enjoy the bounty that day. After all, when the initial rush was done, volunteers stepped in to pick up any “unfound” eggs and hand them out to those whose gatherings were lacking.

The fun didn’t end there, as the raffle numbers were called out next. Lucky winners received prizes like LEGO sets, puzzles and other toys, with an overarching spring or Easter theme among the mix.

Some parents even got caught up in anticipation, cheering when their number was called. Notably, there was also a sense of community, as people clapped in congratulations for those who took a little something extra home.

Faith and Tanner Wilcox brought 14-month-old Weston to his first egg hunt. The new parents divulged that since he had just started walking recently, they decided to put shoes on him that morning. But Weston had other ideas and decided to crawl for his eggs.

“This is the most excited I’ve seen him in at least a week,” Faith pointed out, expressing an interest in returning next year – hopefully when Weston is a little more confident in his shoes.

The Sena family, meanwhile, have been coming to Meeks Park for about three years now, bringing their daughter and niece to hunt eggs as part of their Easter tradition. The two girls, 5 and 6, tasted victory last year when they took home the golden egg, and though they didn’t find one this year, they did enjoy two baskets full of colorful, candy-filled goodness.

Lucas and Courtney Rogers brought their three daughters, with 9-year-old Chloe being the oldest. While it was not their first egg hunt ever, the Blue Ridge locals enjoyed their first hunt in Meeks Park.

“This was incredible, very organized,” Lucas observed, with Courtney expressing appreciation that the event was “safe for the kids.”

“I liked it,” Chloe said, readily holding up the raffle prize she won – an Animal Crossing LEGO set.

Easter means a great deal to the Rogers family, and they are thankful to the Union County Rec Department for putting the event together. That said, they also made time to note the true reason behind the holiday.

“Church is very important, family is very important,” said Courtney, with Lucas positing, “You can take everything from me in this world, but you can’t take my salvation.”