Easter sees revival of an old tradition
For years the coveted prize at the Collierville United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic was first place in the dessert competition. This year a new tradition was born as attendees showed off their creativity in the form of Easter bonnets.
“To me Easter bonnets are a church tradition, and I think we’ve lost a lot of traditions with churches aiming to create more relaxed atmospheres. Just because it’s an old tradition doesn’t mean it’s not a good tradition,” said JoAnn Baggett, a member of the Family Ministry Council, which organizes the annual event.
Baggett said the Easter festivities have been held at Collierville United Methodist for around 20 years. People would wear Easter bonnets, but this is the first time there has been a contest. Baggett said she thought of the contest to replace the event’s dessert contest.
“We always had a dessert contest. People went all out with cakes, candies and pies and they’d sit in the sun and melt before we got to the judging. Seeing their work falling apart before the judges even got a look or taste led to a lot of hurt Contest organizer JoAnn Baggett adjusts Carrye Holland’s bonnet before judging. feelings,” Baggett said.
This year’s event on March 30, was held inside due to rain. Linda McCants, manager of Citizens National Bank Olive Branch, served as a judge for the Easter Bonnet contest.
“I love Easter bonnets. I’m Southern Baptist, and I grew up with Easter Bonnets. It was a tradition from year to year when I was a kid and when raising my children,” McCants said.
McCants said she was happy to help when Baggett told her about the contest.
“What I’m looking for in a winner is the most creative and bizarre.”
First place in the Women’s division was a tie between Carrye Holland and her mother-inlaw Linda Holland, who made both of the bonnets from upside down Easter basket. They were both trimmed in fur and had candy, plastic eggs and other Easter related items glued to the top.
First place in the children’s division went to 8 year old Ava Evans. Evans also used an Easter basket as the body of her bonnet but her basket stood upright and was filled with goodies including a stuffed lamb. Evans said she made her bonnet herself though her mother helped a little supervising the use of a hot glue gun.
The men’s division winner was George Baggett. His bon- net was made from a multicolor fishing hat with plastic eggs and other items attached.
JoAnn Baggett was a bit disappointed in the number of contest participants especially in the men’s division. She expects many more bonnets next year.
“People really enjoy the chance to be creative. When they see other people being creative, they want to do it too.”
In addition to the contest, about 200 children searched for 2,700 plastic filled eggs. After the hunt they and their families enjoyed moon bounces, face painting and some food.