By Becky Crissman

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

CORDELE — Easter has arrived again and residents all over Crisp County turned out to celebrate the holiday in their own special way. Even old Peter Cottontail himself, much to the excitement of many children, made an appearance at the local Wal-Mart. People rushing around to buy that last minute Easter basket or chocolate bunny. The department stores were busy with shoppers trying to find that perfect Easter dress for today’s sunrise church service.

Out at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park brightly colored, candy filled eggs dotted the field to the excitement of the hunters, baskets in hand, scurrying to reach them first. Ranger Mike Goodwin said that the egg hunt has been a tradition for 19 years. This year the egg count grew to 2,700, all filled with candy. “Next year I’m looking to hide 3,000.” he said.

The Cordele Home Depot got into the Easter spirit by holding their first ever Easter EGGstravaganza at the store. “Hopefully this will be the beginning of a new tradition at The Home Depot.” said store manager Jim King. Outside the store’s Garden center King was handing out free snow cones and popcorn to participants. In addition to that there was also a special children’s workshop. The project the kids were able to build in the workshop was a birdhouse. All day long adult shoppers had the opportunity to hunt for special savings throughout the store, but the children in attendance received an extra treat outside in the garden center. They held an Easter egg hunt right in the garden area. Store employees hid the candy filled eggs just for the hunt.

Many of the area churches also held Easter egg hunts for the children of their congregation. They did utilize some of the time to remind them of another, and to many a much more special reason to celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ after three days after being crucified and nailed “I do not want our children to forget how important that is.” says Tony Register, pastor of Wenona Baptist Church, who took time to sit down with the eager egg hunters gathered at the church, to share the story of Christ.

Pinecrest Baptist Church pastor Dr. Mason Davis also took the time to minister to the children of his congregation before they hunted their Easter eggs.

As for school students in our area celebrating the holiday, nothing says EASTER like a week off from school.