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Coeby, age 3, finds an alternate use for his Easter Basket while waiting for the countdown of the hunt.
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Jasmine, age 3 1/2, watches the happy chaos from a safe perch.
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I am happy now that I have a basket full of eggs and candy.
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City Holds Eggstra-ordinary Egg Hunt
By Tricia Chambers
The morning dew on the blades of grass at Central Park was just starting to burn off when more than 1,000 people hopped out of bed to participate in the city’s 34th annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 22.
Four-month-old Robert Ray had it made. His feet didn’t even need to touch the ground. All he had to do to meet the Easter Bunny, was flash a smile and look cute. Mom Michelle Ray, made the arrangements and packed up supplies for the outing. Grandpa and Grandma maneuvered the stroller like a caravan around the numerous clusters of children.
A teacher of autistic children, Michelle recently moved back from Texas.
“I used to come here all the time when I was little,” she said. “Now this Egg Hunt will be my son’s tradition.”
One important tradition of the Easter Egg Hunt includes Mayor Patricia Mahan counting down for the children to start the hunt, or rather trying to count down. Apparently in the mind of a child, protocol and chocolate just don’t mix. The tradition here is that the little ones are too excited and begin the hunt prematurely.
Gayle Ichihu, head of the Youth Activity Center who was on hand to sell bottled water and administer first aid, wasn’t surprised. “We always get a good turnout at this event,” she said.
Other activities besides egg hunting and being photographed with the Easter Bunny included a petting zoo of small animals provided by the Homesteaders 4-H group. Patient Homesteader members, Alicia and her Dad sat while they were peppered with questions and eager hands. The larger animals such as sheep and pygmy goats had to bow out due to previous commitments.
And if the large number of organizations that came out to offer support proves anything, it’s that a major portion of the city also appreciates tradition. The Santa Clara Kiwanis Club and the Police Department were among the groups on hand. Easter baskets and face painting booths were also on site.
