By Robin GOLDSWORTHY and Mary O’KEEFE

They came dressed in costumes with festive bunny ears and in their Easter finery, most carrying empty Easter baskets or paper bags ready to be filled. These were the hunters, the serious Easter egg seekers, who converged on Two Strike Park on Saturday morning to collect their share of the estimated 25,000 eggs prepared for them by the congregation of CVCHURCH.

CVCHURCH Pastor Scott Wood said he was “amazed” at the turnout.

“This is our seventh year hosting the Easter egg hunt,” Wood said, “and this is our biggest year yet! We estimated that 1,700 people attended last year and this year we’re probably closer to 2,000 people.”

The Easter egg hunt is considered a “bridge event” by the church team; an event that bridges the gap between the church community and the surrounding community. Not only does it raise awareness of CVCHURCH, but it also built on the sense of community that brings many to the Crescenta Valley.

Jose and Merrin Marra lived in nearby Adams Hill but decided to move to the foothills for the strong sense of community it offers. This was their first time at the egg hunt.

“We’re new to the area and live near Two Strike Park,” Jose said. “This park rocks! We love the community.” Their son Mateo, 8, attends Monte Vista Elementary and his brother Luca, 4, will most likely follow him.

“I grew up in the Midwest,” added Merrin. “This is so much like where I grew up.”

Putting together the egg hunt – complete with photo opps with the Easter Bunny and craft tables – takes months to plan. Filling the Easter eggs with candy and toys began shortly after Christmas.

“We love gifting the egg hunt because we love the community,” said Beth Krausse, children’s pastor at CVCHURCH. “Many people have said they look forward weeks in advance to this event.” And in case anyone missed the hunt due to traffic snarl-ups, Krausse said that 150 filled bags are put aside so no one feels left out.

Over at St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church, an Easter egg hunt was held for the children of the congregation. The children were able to hunt for the eggs, which had been strategically hidden, after service on Sunday morning.

  Goldsworthy, Mary Okeefe