Over 30 civic groups, businesses and churches, plus countless volunteers, united to present Anza’s annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at the Lions Club of Anza Valley’s Minor Field gymkhana arena Saturday, April 8. The free event attracted hundreds of visitors to hunt eggs, enjoy free food, play games and shop craft and gift vendors. The Easter Bunny, Hamilton Bobcat, local firefighters and sheriffs arrived to mingle with the crowds.
Opening events included four pastors speaking briefly about the meaning of Easter. Pastors Jon Runnfeldt with Valley Gospel Chapel, Mark Neer with Anza Valley Christian Fellowship, Matt Nevills with Anza Baptist Church and Kevin Watson with Living Hope delivered messages of hope before the Easter egg hunts and games commenced.
Games such as roping a rolling plastic cow, jenga and other popular activities kept children busy. Balloon artist GeriLyn Blanton Mellin created balloon animals for the kids, the Lions Club of Anza Valley served up free hot dogs, nachos and water as KOYT 97.1 Community Radio personality Erinne Roscoe provided music and commentary.
“Many years ago, when I first moved up here, my kids and I went to Anza’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony,” organizer Christi James said. “It was magical and my kids loved it. I instantly fell in love with the community because it reminded me of what it was like growing up in a small town myself. Anza always has something to do. So many groups are constantly putting on events and the majority of the time, the events are free with the community in mind. We have the opportunity to give back to the town we live in, and what a gift that is, for all who are involved. Thank you to all of the many people who donated candy and stuffed eggs and of course the volunteers and vendors.”
Egg hunts were organized by age as the competitors searched for a total of 10,000 plastic candy-filled eggs this year.
“It was wonderful to see so many folks from different organizations and churches in the community roll up their sleeves and help to make this community event happen,” organizer Stacy Kuhns, with the About That Horse You Rode In On social group, said. “The kids and adults all had big smiles and enjoyed the day.”
The Lions Club of Anza Valley, Anza Community Hall, Anza Civic Improvement League, Living Hope Church, Valley Gospel, Anza Valley Christian Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, High Country 4-H Club, Hamilton High School, Hamilton Elementary School, About That Horse You Rode in On, High Country Youth Center, ERA Realty, Anza Gas, Cali Produce, HCN Bank, Anza Apostolic Church, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Food for the Faithful, From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, Lorraine’s Pet Supply, Anza Electric Cooperative, KOYT 97.1 Community Radio, Hamilton ASB, Anza Valley Christian Fellowship, Cal Fire, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Anza Thimble Club and many more pitched in to make this another memorable Easter egg hunt.
“Thank you to all of the people who helped clean up the field prior to the event: Dennis McQueary with DDI Plumbing, Niel McQueary with Unstuck Towing, Leslie Price, Pastor Kevin Watson, Jazmyn McCammon with the Aanza Civic Improvement League, Robin Cambell, Lion Greg Sandling and Lion Chris Skinner,” James said.
Social media came alive with pictures of happy children and praise for the event and organizers.
“My kids range in age from 7 to 17 and they came to the event thinking they’d be bored,” Anza resident Amanda Lozano said. “They all had a great time. It was a fantastic day. Thank you very much.”
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
