Rain or Shine, Easter Celebration Continues

After weeks of planning the popular outdoor SDCEA Easter Egg Hunt, last Saturday, Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple learned of the heavy rain forecast. Instead of canceling, she decided to move the event indoors. With less than two days to prepare, the Recreation Team organized a Rainy-Day Plan: Easter Bunny Pictures event at the Ramona Oaks Park Recreation Center. Over 200 children were provided kids’ crafts, fun-filled eggs and prizes.

“I enjoy giving back to our community, and we strive to create great experiences for the kids. They just love seeing the Easter Bunny,” Amy explained. “This event is as much for them as it is for me.”

Parents and children began arriving at 9 am when the event started, and a steady stream of families enjoyed the festivities until it ended at 11 am. Some kids wore jackets and rain gear upon entering, but when the children removed their coats, they revealed beautiful Easter dresses or festive shirts.

The staff was organized into various stations filled with toys, crafts and candy, ready to share the fun with the participants. “Working with kids, you have to learn to roll with it. Rain or shine, we can deliver,” said Program Coordinator Karly Ewing.

Member and mother Karen Reidler was asked why she brought her kids in the heavy rain, to which she replied, “It’s a tradition. We have to come. I used to attend this event as a child, and now I have children whom I want to have a wonderful experience.” Counselor Miranda Griffin, now 20 years old, has attended the event since she was five and now enjoys being a staff member.

Thanks to the staff who were dedicated to keeping the Easter Bunny tradition alive, and even more thanks to the parents and adults who brought all the kids!