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.