The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
TREATS ALONG THE TRAIL
Families get to visit 7 locations during drive-through Easter egg hunt
“I just think this has been such a great way to engage the community and for us to be able to share that gift of love and light and joy.” — Rev. Beth Wilterdink, pastor of Hope Ridge United Methodist Church
For two hours on March 27, Peter Cottontail had to share space with plenty of cars on the portion of the bunny trail that goes through Concord Township.
The extra traffic was generated by vehicles occupied by families that participated in the Concord Township Bunny Trail Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. to noon.
This event was organized and sponsored by the township Recreation Department to provide children with a fun and safe way to collect an assortment of Easter treats in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A “treasure map” posted online pinpointed seven different locations in the township where families could drive through and give their children an opportunity to receive treats without leaving their vehicles.
“We did something similar to this for Halloween and it went real well,” said township Recreation Director Debra L. Bechel-Esker.
Treat-distribution points were located at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church; Hope Ridge United Methodist Church; Concord Community Center; the Vista Springs Quail Hollow Assisted Living Community; Goddard School; Concord Alliance Church; and Concord Township Hall.
While the 2020 Halloween Hunt took place from 6 to 8 p.m. during regular trick-or-treating hours, families participated in the Easter Egg expedition on a day featuring sunny skies and temperatures warm enough for event volunteers to stay outdoors for two hours in light jackets or sweatshirts.
At Hope Ridge United Methodist Church, volunteers were stationed throughout the parking lot to guide drivers through a
u-shaped course bordered by streamers and traffic cones.
“This has been so much fun,” said the Rev. Beth Wilterdink, pastor of Hope Ridge United Methodist Church. “I just think this has been such a great way to engage the community and for us to be able to share that gift of love and light and joy. “
The church, located at 9870 Johnnycake Ridge Road, had no problems recruiting volunteers for the event.
“We’ve got a great team of folks here helping,” she said.
Many adult and youth members of the church
both offered to serve.
“Some of our grandparents have brought grandkids with them,” Wilterdink said.
Just before exiting the Hope Ridge UMC parking lot, cars reached a table where volunteers handed out treat bags, stuffed with plastic eggs that held candy and other goodies.
“Welcome to the bunny trail,” church member and volunteer Leslie Mizen said, as she approached a car to see how many children needed treats.
Parents and kids alike could be seen inside their vehicles wearing bunny ears and Easter bonnets.
“Look at you guys — all festive and dressed up,” church member and volunteer Yvonne Oyler said to the occupants of one car who were sporting Easter headgear.
With a steady stream of cars driving up for treats, motorists couldn’t stay and talk for long. But some visitors did express their gratitude.
“Thank you for doing this,” one driver said to Oyler, before proceeding to the next sweet spot on the route.