Kids, Eggs, And Of Course ... EASTER CANDY!

Hundreds of excited children circled the upper field at McVicker Canyon Park in Lake Elsinore on Saturday for the city’s annual Children’s Fair and Egg Hunt.

Some kids held traditional Easter baskets, some toted Halloween pumpkin carriers, and some just used trash bags … anything to stow the highly coveted candy-filled pastel eggs.

The Lake Elsinore Storm mascot Thunder was there eliciting laughs and handing out high-fives. But when the whistle blew at 10 a.m., the stampede of kids blew by -- almost knocking him down -- all in search of the sweet treasure.

After a good three minutes of hunting, all the eggs were pecked. The bigger kids naturally emerged victorious with more booty, but fun was had by all.

Three-year-old Yosseline of Lake Elsinore -- who was dressed perfectly for Easter in pink shoes, yellow skirt, and matching sunglasses -- proudly showed her three eggs and displayed their contents, while her mother hastily unwrapped a Tootsie Pop for her awaiting child.

Next came a smaller egg hunt for those with special needs. Recreation Supervisor Maureen Foster Davis explained, “Many children who experience some form of disability are happy to hunt alongside others in their age level, but it can be a bit confusing for children with visual, hearing or mobility difficulties.”

Five-year-old triplets Sekou, Toure, and Imari Taylor did a good job cleaning up the field in that event, and immediately after enjoyed dumping their prizes on the grass to sort and trade amongst themselves, with their dad supervising. He was a good sport toward all the people approaching him and inquiring about his identical triplets.

“We’ll keep dressing them the same for at least another year,” he laughed.

Park Recreation Specialist Sally Stuckey said the popular event has been running for 20-plus years. This year's fair had 6,000 eggs that needed stuffing, but organizers weren't short of volunteers from throughout the county who were happy to help.

Close to 300 helpers came as a youth group from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wildomar. The group was on the final day of a two-day conference, with a dance and dinner celebration as a reward Saturday evening.

More than just the youth offered assistance, though.

Maria Hinton, with teary eyes, explained that her husband had passed on due to cancer two months prior, and that the Lamb’s Fellowship Church of Lake Elsinore had been so kind to her throughout the difficult ordeal that she felt compelled to give back.

“It’s time for me to get out again. I just love helping the kids,” she said. Her tears dried up as she explained how she helped lost kids find their parents today … “And even some lost moms to their children,” she said with a smile.

But the party didn’t just end with egg hunts. The subsequent fair included crafts, jewelry, cotton candy, face painting, dancing, and even -- just in time for prom -- formal dresses for a cheap $25.

Fun was had by everyone, and as I walked away from the lower field to my car in the crowded parking lot, I looked down and found a pale pink, lost Easter egg on the ground … filled with candy.

Candy, even for the big kids.

It‘s not Thanksgiving, but I have a lot to be thankful for.