An estimated 3,500 people converged on the grounds of J.F. Gregory Park on Saturday, April 3 to take part in festivities at the fourth-annual Easter Extravaganza.
New Beginnings Community Church hosted the event, featuring an Easter Egg Hunt, free food and treats, pictures with the Easter Bunny, inflatable rides, face painting, live entertainment, and games and crafts for all ages.
Children were separated into age groups for the egg hunt, and dashed around searching for over 27,000 candy-filled Easter eggs.
Patrick Goldner, 9, proudly showed off his basket full of the colorful plastic treasures. He said that he had fun hunting for eggs, and helped younger brother Michael, 21 months, get into the spirit.
Attendees were treated to free hot dogs, beverages, cake, and ice cream after the egg hunt, courtesy of local businesses.
“We have around 40 business sponsors who join with us and do their part, and if it wasn’t for them, we couldn’t do it,” said Steve Lane, pastor at New Beginnings Community Church.
Volunteers also helped to make the event a success. Parishioners of NBCC baked sheet cakes, handed out food, escorted the Easter Bunny, and generally ensured that things went smoothly.
Lane was pleased to see so many families come out and have a great time at the Extravaganza. He called it a “clean, family-oriented event geared toward giving back to the people of South Bryan County.”

Pembroke event a city favorite

More than 50 kids turned out for the City of Pembroke's annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Tommy McCormick Play Park in downtown Pembroke.
The kids and their parents were treated to cookies, juice, an egg hunt and prizes.
Pembroke Mayor Judy Cook hosted the day of fun.
"This is one of my favorite events we hold all year," said Mayor Cook. "I love to watch the kids having such a great time at our wonderful city park."