This past weekend, Sampson County citizens turned out in droves for a trio of events to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday.
From a handful of kids who participated in a Saturday morning event at Clinton’s Bellamy Center, to the hundreds that packed Weeks Park in Newton Grove Saturday afternoon, and the plethora who attended Autryville’s annual Bunny Bash, there was no shortage of Easter spirit in Sampson County.
It was heartening to see children of all ages, races and sizes gathered together in celebration and fun. We’d wager that the parents and grandparents who accompanied them had a pretty good time as well.
Though it’s the largest city in the county, the turnout for Clinton’s Easter Egg-Streme Event had the lowest attendance, though it’s understandable since the Newton Grove and Autryville events were free, and Clinton Recreation & Parks charged $10 per child. That’s because the department provided every child present with an Easter basket, tons of crafts, snacks and goodie bags.
Still, judging by all the smiles and laughter, we know that no matter which event they attended, the kids had a great time, and that’s what is most important.
It was especially impressive to see the egg drop in Newton Grove, where 3,000 plastic eggs descended from a Salemburg Fire Department ladder truck, about 100 feet in the air, to the waiting youngsters below. The sight of the many colored eggs raining down from a clear blue sky was truly awe-inspiring to behold. And the squeals of delight from the children on hand shows just how spectacular the sight was.
And, while there was the jaw-dropping rain of eggs from the sky in Newton Grove, there was also plenty of attention paid to the true reason for the Easter season — and it’s not the candy- and toy-filled baskets or pictures with a man in a bunny costume. Instead, it’s the story of Jesus and His Crucifixion, and how he rose from the grave on the third day.
Because the Newton Grove event was put on by two churches — Newton Grove Baptist and Hopewell Methodist — organizers made sure to share the Easter story and pray with the children before they got to scoop up their fill of candy-filled eggs. There were also free adult and children’s Bibles on hand, and free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone.
We applaud the pastors and leaders of these two churches for seeing a need in the community, and doing their best to provide area children with Easter goodies, and an opportunity to learn about the real reason we celebrate this time of year.
Autryville’s Bunny Bash is always a delight as well, with this year’s event drawing a huge crowd to the grounds of Town Hall. In addition to the egg hunt, bounce houses, live DJ, games and all the usual Easter festivities, for the first time, the Bunny Bash also included a calming room for children with autism and other special needs, who may feel overwhelmed with the crowds outside in the sun.
Kudos to the town of Autryville, as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina, for having the foresight to attend to the needs of all children, not just the ones who bounce in the inflatables and run for the eggs as if their lives depend upon it.
Easter is a special time of year, and we appreciate all of these organizations for helping to make it a holiday to remember for so many children and families in Sampson County.