After the Easter Bunny gave the signal, children of all ages rushed to pick up colorful eggs sitting on grassy fields at Garland’s Recreational Park.

The town in southern Sampson County was one of many throughout the area celebrating Easter, with the Newkirk Park Advisory Committee holding its own event in Clinton. Monday’s festivities came on the heels of Saturday’s annual Autryville Easter Parade.

In southern Sampson County, members of the Garland Community Action Group hosted the town’s egg hunt Monday with the help of many volunteers.

Along with filling up baskets with eggs filed with goodies and special prizes, some of the other highlights included music, face painting, train rides and a petting zoo, courtesy of the Hippity Hop 4-H Rabbit Club.

The Easter event is one of many hosted by the Town of Garland and community members every year. Some of the others include a back-to-school celebration and book bag giveaway; the annual Christmas Tree Lighting; and the Community Day and parade celebration.

Over at Newkirk Park, located on Ferrell Street in the heart of the city, children ran to find colorful eggs hidden across the greenspace.

On hand to welcome everyone was City Councilman Marcus Becton, who was joined by city police officers, firefighters and park advisory members. After the hunt, children and their families munched on hot-off-the-grill hamburgers and hot dogs.

The Easter celebration has fast become a staple at Newkirk Park, which holds events throughout the year, including the “Night Out,” through which the community and local law enforcement celebrate with the help of other partners.

Before Monday’s egg-stravaganza in Clinton and Garland, the Town of Autryville hosted its annual Easter parade, which extended from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday on Williams Street (Old Highway 24).

Participants, including fire departments, local dignitaries, area churches and others made their presence known through the blaring of sirens and beatifully-crafted floats. All entrants began the parade route at Autryville Baptist Church and moved through the heart of town. There was no cost to participate.

Betty Crumpler and Barbara Hall were a couple of the many who lined Williams Street to take in the festivities.

Despite losing power through the night due to storms, before having it restored early Saturday, Crumpler was in good spirits as she and Hall watched the floats pass by from her front yard.

Crumpler said she believed this year’s parade was the largest the town has had.

Two-year-old Faith McNeil scoops up one of dozens of Easter eggs she was able to find at Newkirk Park during the annual hunt Monday morning.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Newkirk4.jpgTwo-year-old Faith McNeil scoops up one of dozens of Easter eggs she was able to find at Newkirk Park during the annual hunt Monday morning. Sherry Matthews|Sampson Independent

Youngsters armed with Easter baskets and a desire to find the largest number of eggs made their way to Newkirk Park Monday morning for the annual hunt, courtesy of the Newkirk Park Advisory Committee.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Newkirk1.jpgYoungsters armed with Easter baskets and a desire to find the largest number of eggs made their way to Newkirk Park Monday morning for the annual hunt, courtesy of the Newkirk Park Advisory Committee. Sherry Matthews|Sampson Independent

Liam Herring, 6, of Clinton, grins as he discovers yet another egg on the grounds of Newkirk Park.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Newkirk.jpgLiam Herring, 6, of Clinton, grins as he discovers yet another egg on the grounds of Newkirk Park. Sherry Matthews|Sampson Independent

Kai-Leah Thompson, 8, counts up the number of colorful eggs she found during the Newkirk Park Easter Egg hunt Monday.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Newkirk3.jpgKai-Leah Thompson, 8, counts up the number of colorful eggs she found during the Newkirk Park Easter Egg hunt Monday. Sherry Matthews|Sampson Independent

A sign in Betty Crumpler’s yard on Williams Street, where she took in the Autryville Easter Parade on Saturday.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter8.jpgA sign in Betty Crumpler’s yard on Williams Street, where she took in the Autryville Easter Parade on Saturday. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

The Easter procession moves through the heart of Autryville.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter7.jpgThe Easter procession moves through the heart of Autryville. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

The Autryville New Life Church of God float makes its way through town during Saturday’s annual parade.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter1.jpgThe Autryville New Life Church of God float makes its way through town during Saturday’s annual parade. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

Dustin, left, and T.J. Voncannon watch as the Autryville Easter Parade passes by.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter2.jpgDustin, left, and T.J. Voncannon watch as the Autryville Easter Parade passes by. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

The Autryville Baptist Church float passes by as its parishioners wave at parade-goers.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter3.jpgThe Autryville Baptist Church float passes by as its parishioners wave at parade-goers. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

The Easter Bunny and his companion hitched a ride aboard the front of a Autryville fire truck.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter4.jpgThe Easter Bunny and his companion hitched a ride aboard the front of a Autryville fire truck. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

The Mt. Carmel Church of God of Prophecy Children’s Church, based in Autryville, had plenty aboard its massive float during Saturday’s parade.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_easter5.jpgThe Mt. Carmel Church of God of Prophecy Children’s Church, based in Autryville, had plenty aboard its massive float during Saturday’s parade. Chris Berendt | Sampson Independent

Children hunt for Eggs during a celebration in Garland.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland-Easter_1.jpgChildren hunt for Eggs during a celebration in Garland. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

Aracely Flores of Inglesia Cristiana Palabrade Salvacion Church paints the face of a child during Garland’s Easter Celebration.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland-Easter_2.jpgAracely Flores of Inglesia Cristiana Palabrade Salvacion Church paints the face of a child during Garland’s Easter Celebration. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

Joi Ravenell celebrates after finding a special egg during the Garland celebration.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland-Easter_3.jpgJoi Ravenell celebrates after finding a special egg during the Garland celebration. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

Members of Rita’s Dream Maker Studio of Garland volunteer for the Easter event.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland_7.jpgMembers of Rita’s Dream Maker Studio of Garland volunteer for the Easter event. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

Girl Scouts from Troop 1552 paint fingernails.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland-Easter_4.jpgGirl Scouts from Troop 1552 paint fingernails. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

At Garland’s Easter celebration, a group of children enjoy playing in bubbles.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland-Easter_5.jpgAt Garland’s Easter celebration, a group of children enjoy playing in bubbles. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

Mayor Winifred Murphy shows appreciation to community members during Garland’s Easter Egg hunt.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland-Easter_6.jpgMayor Winifred Murphy shows appreciation to community members during Garland’s Easter Egg hunt. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent

Children enjoy a train ride together during Garland’s Easter Egg Hunt.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Garland_8.jpgChildren enjoy a train ride together during Garland’s Easter Egg Hunt. Chase Jordan | Sampson Independent
From a parade to egg hunts, plenty to mark holiday

Staff reports