With Easter right around the corner, communities in Rocky View County are preparing to celebrate the holiday with family friendly and community driven events.
The Town of Irricana will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 23 at the Lions Community Hall. The hunt will be held outdoors at the East Baseball Diamond in Irricana, while inside the Community Hall attendees can participate in activities like face painting, bouncy castles, and more.
“We're really proud of this event because it's really about community engagement,” said Brooke Swanson, the People and Community Coordinator for the Town of Irricana. “We [see] a lot of residents from our own community…it’s a real opportunity for others to connect with [the community].”
Swanson said that last year’s Easter Egg Hunt drew about 450 people and nearly 3,000 eggs were found during the hunt. Swanson added that while the recent snowfall could potentially deter some visitors, she’s still expecting a large turnout.
“Pending people's weekend plans, I'm really hoping that we [get to] the 300 to 400 mark,” said Swanson. “The snow and cold could be a deterrent, but we it is. I mean, for the most part, it is an indoor event.”
Swanson added that nearly a dozen local community groups and nonprofits will be at the Community Hall to provide resources for families and to connect them to services that they may need. According to Swanson, the nonprofit groups efforts are all a part of an attempt to foster community in Irricana.
“We have tons of local organizations [that have] resources for families,” she said. “[The Easter Egg Hunt]...it's really about fostering engagement and that social connectivity. It’s really a great place for neighbours to connect with neighbours…[to] foster community spirit.”
Although the event has already attracted a large group of volunteers, Swanson said that anyone who wants to help out is still welcome to. In promotional material for the Easter Egg Hunt, it’s said that volunteers are still needed for set-up and clean-up, as well as for inside activities and popcorn machine operation.
"We do have a good group of volunteers, but we're always looking for more,” said Swanson. “To host these types of events, you really need that engagement from volunteers.” She added that for anyone interested in volunteering the day of, can still do so.
The Easter themed event will also feature a dance and DJ at the Lions Hall, with festivities kicking off at 10 am and going until 1 pm.
