Just a little over a week before the holiday itself, families, especially their youngsters, began their celebration of the Easter holiday in Jacob Myers Park this past weekend.

On Saturday, April 9 the City of Riverbank’s Parks and Recreation Department organized two waves of Easter Egg Hunts along the trail in the western end of Jacob Myers Park. The first started at 10 a.m., with the young hunters fanning out along both sides of the trail, beginning near the Wedding Gazebo, looking in every nook and cranny, under every limb, leaf and bush to find the hidden eggs.

A second wave of basket-bearing collectors, with the same objectives, launched about 11:45 a.m. that morning.

According to Recreation Supervisor Tony Lemonds, there were approximately 50 to 60 participants per session at the Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday.

“People were very thankful for the event and seemed to generally enjoy it,” said Lemonds. “The hunt was simple. The whole family went together to hunt for eggs around the trail.”

Although the Easter Bunny did not make an appearance for photo opportunities with participants as originally planned, the Recreation Department did not disappoint with a total of 2,000 eggs that were hidden for the hunts on Saturday.

“We will probably switch it up next year with the older kids starting at the back of the trail and the younger ones in the beginning,” added Lemonds. “Then the two groups will meet in the middle.”

Coming up next, the Glow Egg Hunt for youth ages 13 to 17 will be held at Castleberg Park, 5845 Eighth Street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Saturday, April 16. There is no registration required. Guests need to bring their own baskets and there will be prizes.

For more information call the Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department at 209-863-7150.

News reporter Virginia Still contributed to this report.