By Kristin Drinkard
staff writer

Kids scrambled for Easter eggs, showed off their face paintings, and scaled giant inflatables Saturday as they celebrated the season at Trinity United Methodist Church’s campus. The event, which featured a live band, a magic act by Dave Neilson, and free treats, managed to avoid impending rain and entertain an eager turnout from the area.

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blogspot.com for video of the Trinity United Methodist Church Easter Celebration.

“I’m glad to see this many people come out from the community. The cotton candy and snow cones and popcorn seem to be a big hit, and the inflatables,” said Jennifer Eckardt, wife of Trinity’s youth pastor Rhett Eckardt. Both helped coordinate the event.

“The Easter Bunny’s been a big hit, too,” she said as the hare himself—or rather herself—approached while volunteers prepared for another wave of egg hunts, held inside the Youth Center during the latter part of the day. Brittany Tadlock was the one hopping down the bunny trail, happy to endure the hot, furry mascot’s suit so that she could delight the kids who got to see the rabbit of legend. Volunteer Jennifer Hannah walked with her, introducing the children formally.

The Easter Bunny wasn’t the only attraction kids were happy to discuss. Tristan Smith, the first to greet magician Dave Nielson (and have a coin pulled from behind his ear), said, “I enjoyed the magic show,” adding that he had his own magic kit at home. As for some of the other youngsters, a large soft maze in the middle of the campus drew attention. Trey Hall said his toddler Tanner couldn’t seem to get enough of it. “He’s been eating snow cones and climbing through this little tunnel,” he said.

Eckardt pointed out that while the church was thrilled to offer all of Saturday’s festivities, it also kept a focus on the spiritual meaning of Easter. Trinity members donated plastic eggs and candy, but they also donated Easter-related prizes such as Christian books.

“We’re trying to get the message across that it’s Easter, but it’s also Christ’s salvation as well,” Eckardt said.