Hoppin' for Environmental Change and Easter Weekend Fun

Hundreds of children and adults showed up for this year’s Easter egg Hunt/Earth Day event in Colton to participate in fun-filled activities. This year’s event was held at Rich Dauer Park by Colton’s Recreation Services, Healthy Colton, which gave kids up to age 12 a chance to score a variety of candy during their Easter egg hunt while incorporating some wealthy knowledge and tips on how to preserve and take care of the Earth. The park's field was covered with over 6,000 Easter eggs and abundant amounts of candy. Many took part in last Saturday's festivities and surrounding vendor booths provided information on master gardening programs, solar energy and water preservation, and also gave attendees the opportunity to make pledges to better protect their community. This is the first year the recreation service has hosted the egg hunt at Rich Dauer Park. Event Coordinator Felipe Vega explained that he’s “received much help from the community,” by which he refers to the eggs and candy that were donated by P&G. They were also given Easter baskets by De Parma Pizza as raffle prizes. Among other donations, Public Services were awarded a grant to cover free hot dogs for the community’s event. Anabel Castaneda, from Colton Community Services, handed out freshly made smoothies to event-goers and offered free pamphlets and DVDs that informed kids on better eating habits. Castaneda explained, “Colton Community Services also provides walks along the Santa Ana River trail every other Saturday at 9 a.m.," she explained of the variety of programs they offer. Not only open to Colton residents, residents from nearby communities are also encouraged to attend as well. "The path is paved so it is also wheelchair accessible. Everyone from all age groups and abilities are encouraged to come out,” said Castaneda. In collaboration with the event, the electric department set up a light post and gave children the chance to give it a climb. The Easter egg hunt was sought out by the electric department a few years ago to create a combination event that contributes to both Easter and Earth Day. As a result of the collaboration, children lined up in the bundles to give the climb a try while parents stood by taking pictures. The electric department gave children more information on solar power and preserving energy while incorporating a little fun into it. Kids got the chance to draw on Easter bags and prep for the massive Easter egg hunt set up throughout the park. Heidi Strutz, recreations coordinator for Colton Community Services, said, “Last year the Easter egg hunt lasted about 45 seconds, that’s all the kids need,” and this year it was just that. Parents and children were given a five minute warning to get located in specific spots sectioned off by age groups to give all kids an equal opportunity to roam and search for Easter goodies. After parents and children were settled, everyone was given a five-second count down and then the hunting commenced, and children joyfully filled their baskets and raced around in search for eggs.