— Photos by Denise Provost and Claudia Ferro

By Denise Provost

Over 130 people – children, young people, and their adults – gathered in Chuckie Harris Park on Saturday, April 9. The crowd gathered under a clear sky for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. In its ninth year, this event is hosted by Connexion United Methodist Church and East Somerville Main Streets – with special help from Somerville Girl Scout troop 67645.

Volunteer Girl Scouts and church members stuffed over 1,500 plastic eggs with tiny toys and candy, and hid them around the park. Some of the brightly-colored eggs were left in plain sight, for the littlest ones, who got to search first. While waiting to take their turns, kids could visit the face painting table; decorate bags to carry their eggs in; dance, or have their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny – who made an in-person appearance.

Little ones were dressed in their Easter best for the occasion: bunny ears (and tails) were spotted on even the youngest participants, along with other costumes and festive spring outfits. Excitement filled Chuckie Harris Park as kids ran in the sunshine, gathered eggs, and jumped with joy. Parents smiled, laughter was everywhere, and tears were nowhere to be seen.