MERCEDES — Children of all ages were lined up ready to compete in the bunny hop sack race. At the count of three — they were off, each with determination on their faces as they raced for the finish line.
Many activities such as these were seen at HEB Park in Mercedes on Saturday, as families gathered together to enjoy Easter-themed activities a week ahead of the holiday.
Kayla Pearson and her two daughters had heard about the festivities through Facebook and had been waiting in anticipation for Saturday’s event.
“We are looking forward to the rides and just spending time together. It’s our first Easter egg hunt of the season and I think it’s a great time to come together with my daughters,” Kayla said.
Her daughters, Emma, 7, and Myla, 6, were anxious to begin the egg hunt. Both were determined to find the golden McDonald’s egg.
“I want to find 60 eggs,” Myla said with excitement in her voice.
Piles of Easter eggs in various shades of blues, pinks, purples and greens were placed against the wall.
According to Brianna Casares, the public information officer for the city of Mercedes, they had received a total of about 3,000 Easter eggs from their sponsors.
“We have a golden Easter egg provided by the McDonald’s play van. Whoever finds that egg gets a free week of an arcade game cabinet delivered to their home,” said Casares, adding that various prizes were available to the kids. “We also hid 10 raffle tickets in the eggs and whoever finds them gets to win an Easter egg basket. If you win a game you also win an Easter basket.”
Brittany Jones, a costumed party worker attended the event as the Easter bunny to bring joy to the children at the event.
Children were staring in awe as the Easter bunny walked around the park. One little girl ran to hug the bunny while another leaned in to kiss the bunny’s cheek.
Although the sun was beaming down on her, Jones was delighted to be the Easter bunny because “It’s going to make the kids happy. It’s an event for family and kids so as long as they are happy we are good.”
Lydia Ortega, 41, of Mercedes attended the event with her year-old son so he could participate in his first Easter egg hunt.
Her son, Bruno, was gripping onto his Easter basket tightly as he walked with his mom.
“He is ready,” Lydia said with a laugh.
As she walked through the park with her son she could see various activities spread across the field.
Children were running from the bouncy house to the bunny-themed ride to the potato sack races.
Like many events throughout the Valley, organizers and attendees continue highlighting efforts to return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the cancellation of events like this — some for two years.
“After COVID-19 and everything, we are just happy to have the community back together and see these kids have a good time,” Casares said.
