Sun Comes Out for Spring Eggstravaganza

Children of all ages ran atop the growing green grass of Heckscher Park on Wednesday, March 27, looking for Easter eggs with treats, making bookmarks, having their faces painted or coloring pictures to celebrate the upcoming holiday with the annual "Spring Eggstravaganza."

After months of up and down weather, the sun was welcomed by the more than 400 registered children and their parents, and smiles could be seen from all.

"The looks on the little children's faces when they open their eggs and get them is really special," Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, who hosted this event, said.

The park was sectioned off so children in each group, ages 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8, would have their own area to pick up Easter eggs. On the other side were tables for all arts and crafts, including making frames and getting temporary tattoos.

Four-year-old Jenna Girattan's favorite part was the face-painting. She proudly showed off the rainbow on her cheek. Around her children and their parents walked around with Easter baskets of all sizes, shapes and colors as holiday music played in the background.

"It's so much fun for the kids," Lisa Spatafora-Lessa, a volunteer with the Huntington Youth Bureau Prevention Specialists, said. She brought along her daughter Nicole, as well as friends, including fellow Youth Bureau volunteer Annie Guthrie. "Getting Easter eggs, the crafts, the picture opportunities, the music and fresh air--it's a nice community event."

Ahern's Landscape and Garden and Station Sports and Family Fun Center sponsored the free event.