Many dressed in their Easter finest, hundreds of children amassed on Main Street between First United Methodist Church and the Farmers Market on Saturday, April 19, waiting for their moment to race onto the church lawn where an estimated 11,000 candy-filled plastic eggs were “hidden” for the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt.
When the word “Go!” was yelled, the stampede was on and no child went away empty-handed. To ensure the toddlers weren’t trampled in the frenzy, a special gated area had been prepared where the little ones could search with their parents and grandparents assisting to fill their bags or baskets.
The event was again termed a success, achieving that status through a real community effort. At least eight churches were all-in, including FUMC as well as South Winnfield Baptist, First Baptist, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, Family Church, First Assembly, New Zion Baptist and Interfaith Haven. Civic organizations Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Pilots helped out.
Activities for the children abounded in the blocked-off street and under the Farmers Market pavilion. There were Bounce Houses thanks to the Sheriff’s Office and City of Winnfield, adding to the fun. The Easter Bunny was on hand for photo opps with the children. Kids enjoyed face-painting and a seemingly-endless supply of homemade cakes kept coming in for the Cake Walk. A week-long scavenger hunt with daily clues came to a successful conclusion.
Jesse Phillips cooked lots of hotdogs and various groups provided all the needed supplies and condiments as well and chips and drinks. The event was coordination through the Louisiana Political Museum. The Winnfield Fire Department loaded one group of children after another for an exciting ride around the block with the siren sounding.
The Easter Egg Hunt brought the community together. And those involved hoped that not lost in all the scramble was the true meaning of Sunday’s Easter Day: that Christ Jesus had lived among us for a short while, had died on the Cross, was buried and rose again. All for us.
