DeKALB – Egg hunts come but once a year, so local families braved the breezy weather Saturday morning at the DeKalb Park District Easter Egg Hunt at the Hopkins Park Pavilion.
The free annual event, sponsored by the DeKalb Crossroads Church, began with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, continued with an egg hunt for children of all ages, and wrapped up with a lunch of hot dogs and face painting.
Jon Miller, Crossroads’ associate pastor, said this was the first year the church was involved in the event, and it plans to continue sponsoring. Miller said the church provided volunteers, and donated 10,000 Easter eggs to the hunt.
“To be a part of this, we’re very fortunate,” Miller said.
Although the event was free, it also served as a fundraiser for Safe Passage, and registrants were encouraged to bring donations for the domestic violence shelter. Lynnea Erickson-Laskowski, director of prevention and communication services for Safe Passage, said the event was a wonderful opportunity to become involved with other local organizations, such as the DeKalb Park District and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s a fantastic way for us to connect with the community,” Erickson-Laskowski said. “Participating in events like this show us how other organizations come together.”
Erickson-Laskowski said that the event also was a great opportunity to provide information and outreach to the community.
“It’s a great way to get information out about our services,” she said.
Although the turnout was lower than last year, local families appreciated the chance to bring their children to a fun and family-friendly event within the community.
“My son loves to come hunt for Easter eggs every year,” said Randi Goff, 32, of DeKalb. “It’s kind of a tradition now.”
Goff, who attended the event with her son and her mother, said the tradition started when she was a child.
“I’m from DeKalb, and I did the Easter Egg Hunt here at the Park District when I was a kid,” said Goff. “I love that they break it off for the age groups, and I love the environment.”