Stephen City United Methodist Church Celebrates Community and Tradition with Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The historic Stephen City United Methodist Church, standing since 1775, continues to weave community and tradition into the fabric of local life. This March 23rd, the church is set to host its third annual community Easter egg hunt. This vibrant event draws families from across the region for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and festive activities.

The event, which has rapidly become a cherished local tradition, was initiated three years ago to provide a cost-free, joyous family outing in the post-COVID era. Speaking from the Royal Examiner studio, Cathy Barley shared insights into the planning and purpose behind the event. “We wanted to create a fun activity for families coming out of COVID,” Barley explained, emphasizing the inclusive and engaging nature of the event.

To accommodate children of all ages without the chaos of competition, the egg hunt is cleverly divided into four age-specific hunts. The youngest participants, aged zero to three, are supported by their parents, while the four to six-year-olds enjoy a traditional hunt. Seven to nine-year-olds participate in a “freeze hunt,” pausing when the music stops, and the ten to twelve-year-olds navigate a 3D maze, adding a physical challenge to their quest for eggs.

Click here to download the map.

The egg hunt features over 4,000 eggs, divided equally among the different age groups, ensuring every child gets a fair chance at finding treasures. “And they find all of them,” Barley assured, noting the balance between making the hunt accessible for younger children and more challenging for older participants.

But the event offers more than just egg hunts. It boasts a plethora of activities, including face painting, balloon animals, appearances by Lolo the Clown and Sparky the Fire Dog, and even food vendors like Bam Bam’s Barbecue and Maddie’s Soft Serve Ice Cream. A special highlight includes the chance to find one of two golden tickets in the egg hunt, rewarding lucky finders with full Easter baskets.

This community event underscores the church’s commitment to bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging and joy. With an impressive turnout of around 1,200 people last year, the organizers anticipate even greater numbers this year.

The event takes place at the Newtown Commons, a local park that transforms into a hub of Easter excitement, from 12:30 p.m. for registration, with egg hunts kicking off at 1 p.m. It’s a testament to the community’s vibrancy and the church’s ongoing mission to create meaningful connections among residents.

Stephen City United Methodist Church’s Easter egg hunt is more than just an event; it’s a reflection of the community’s heart and soul, bringing together generations in celebration of spring, renewal, and community spirit.