Egg hunt puts focus on Jesus

The annual Christ Temple Ministries event draws an estimated 200 kids to the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds.

An estimated 200 kids and their parents took part in the Christ Temple Ministries egg hunt Saturday — an annual event that puts the focus firmly on Easter and its promise of new beginnings.

“This is all about Jesus,” organizer Elaine Owens told the waiting crowd while quizzing the children on Bible trivia.

In addition to candy-filled eggs, prizes were awarded in each age group to those wellversed in Scripture.

And, standing by a wooden cross draped with a purple banner, Bishop Nealon Guthrie called out each community contributor as a real-life local role model.

“This is the right age to teach these children about belonging to a community,” Guthrie said. “A stronger community makes a better city and better cities make a better world.”

City Commissioner Milton Slack and his wife, Clemontene Slack, donated three new bicycles as special prizes, eliciting “oohs” from the young crowd. Rome police officer Kevin Drew also was introduced as a friend the children could count on.

“Listen to your parents; listen to your teachers. And if you ever need help, call on us,” Drew said. “We want unity in the community and it starts with you and me.”

Janet Baltzer of Angel Express manned a table filled with stuffed animals, as an extra gift for each child’s Easter basket. Charles Love, president of the North Rome Community Action Committee, spoke briefly about their work and then summed up with Psalm 133:1.

“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity,” he said.

Akida Muldrew brought her sons and daughters to the gathering at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds. It was the family’s first outing to the 24-year-old tradition and, fittingly, it was community

that led them there.

“My neighbor told me about it,” Muldrew said with a smile.

Guthrie said more than 2,000 eggs were scattered around the lower level of the fairgrounds parking area. The hunt was divided into three age groups so the children could participate with their peers.

Steven Eckhoff / RN-T Jace Ferguson opens his Easter eggs looking for prizes with his parents DeMarcus Ferguson and Nicole Sexton on Saturday at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds.

Steven Eckhoff / RN-T Conner and Brandy Smith collect eggs at the Christ Temple Ministries event.

Steven Eckhoff / RN-T Bishop Nealon Guthrie (right) thanks City Commissioner Milton Slack for his help at the Easter egg hunt.

Steven Eckhoff / RN-T Easter egg hunters await their prizes Saturday at the Christ Temple Ministries annual communitywide Easter egg hunt.

Steven Eckhoff / RN-T Cameron and Larry Smith hunt for eggs Saturday.

Steven Eckhoff / RN-T Angel Express toys wait for children after the egg hunt.