By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish families came dressed in their best and brightest colors to pariticpate in Saturday morning’s Easter in the Park, a family-friendly Easter celebration organized by the parish council and administration.
The event was held in several St. John-area parks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m — Belle Point Park, Cambridge Park, Emily C. Watkins Park, Ezekiel Jackson Park, Greenwood Park and Highway 51 Park all hosted events.
Children of all ages hunted Easter eggs and visited with the Easter bunny. Plastic Easter eggs filled with candy dotted the grass of the park and playground area in bright pastel colors.
While some children chose to participate in the hunts, many had just as much fun running around in the sunshine. Pizza, chips and soft drinks were served after the festivities.
Six-year-old Cayla Roussel revealed that she was in it to win it. She planned to win prizes in every category all on her own, though she ended up capturing six eggs total.
“I’m going to get all of the Easter eggs,” she said excitedly.
Prizes were provided in two categories for each age group. The child with the most eggs won a very large chocolate bunny. Children who retrieved the golden egg won a gift card to Burger King.
“We come every year. My kids did wonderful (this year). My son actually told me ‘Mom, I got more than last year and the year before!’ He said the older he gets the more eggs he gets. My younger one was more interested in sliding than actually getting the eggs,” said Chandra Joseph as she watched her children in the play area.
District 5 Councilman Michael Wright helped distribute refreshments during the event and said that he expected more participants but was still pleased with the turnout this year.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the community to get together, especially during Easter time — we have a lot to be thankful for. We didn’t lose any lives during Isaac and we’re rebuilding our community. So, although the turnout wasn’t as good as we anticipated, it’s still a good step forward in the recovery,” he said.