Michael Ortiz of Romeoville came to Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora Saturday morning with his 3-year-old nephew Aryus to take part in an Easter egg hunt, something Ortiz said his nephew is already “a pro” at.
“He knows what to do when it comes to collecting Easter eggs. He went on a hunt last year,” Ortiz explained as Aryus stood next to him at the event. “He’s a pro. He’s like a dog with a bone. He’s ready. He has to fill two buckets minimum.”
“I want to get 10 eggs – maybe 20,” Aryus said.
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Rainy weather greeted the annual Easter egg hunt at the church on Saturday, which once again included a helicopter dropping plastic eggs onto a field near the church.
The church at 3000 Liberty St. was packed with hundreds of kids and parents for the annual event that the Rev. Rob Douglas said has been going on now for 16 years.
“This is just a great event we like to offer to the community in celebration of the Easter weekend,” Douglas said before the egg drop. “It’s a chance to connect with people and the story of what the weekend is all about.”
Easter eggs to be collected were said to number 10,000 including the helicopter’s payload of 3,000 plastic eggs. In addition, 25 golden eggs were also available that officials said would be redeemable for special prizes.
Beyond the egg hunt, the event again included a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, a bounce house for kids and more.
Jenny Curciarello of Kildeer came with her daughter Caroline, 4, for the first time to the event and said the 55-minute drive from home showed her dedication.
Curciarello said her daughter was “ready to go” as far as collecting eggs.
“There’s no limit as far as I’m concerned. We’ve got two baskets,” she said.
Elizabeth Leon of Aurora was also a first-time participant at the event on Saturday.
“I’ve always read about this event but I never came until now,” Leon said. “I brought my niece Yarieli who is 3 and I’m going to let her get as many eggs as she can … whatever fits in her basket.”
Matt Duesing of Yorkville, who brought his son Levi, 4, talked about the helicopter egg drop set for the event in light of the day’s damp weather.
“Eggs falling from the sky is better than rain,” he said
“He can take as many eggs as the basket can hold,” Duesing said of his son. “He doesn’t have a technique. He just runs for them.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.