CAYUGA—Community Living Haldimand (CLH) kicked off 65th Anniversary celebrations on March 23, 2024 with an Easter egg hunt that brought in more than 200 people.
“I had no idea how pretty it was here,” said Cayuga resident Annabelle Scott, among the lively chatter. “What a beautiful day to create some beautiful memories with the kids.”
Graicey Vandenberg was not initially thrilled with meeting Peter Cottontail, but her father Brad Vandenberg held her safe and after a few moments she didn’t mind the lovely lagomorph who was visiting children at the egg hunt. 
Beth Gardner and Leah Otterman earned volunteer hours at the event. 
CAYUGA—Fisherville Lions Carl Schweyer, left, Gary White, and Bill Hurkmans not only acted as valets for the day but donated $2,250 to Peter Cottontail for Community Living Hadimand at the ‘tail end’ of the agency’s Community Easter Egg Hunt. 
CAYUGA—Peter Cottontail, left, listens intently to Ayla Shaw, right, as sister Kailey Shaw, centre, wonders what’s in his basket. 
CAYUGA—Claire Lambert hits the hard stuff during craft time. 
CAYUGA—Jamie Poirier was more interested in the fresh Spring snow than the egg hunt. 
CAYUGA—The hillside at Community Living Haldimand was filled with screeching hunters and huntresses at the agency’s first Easter egg hunt. —Haldimand Press photos by Tara Lindemann.
The event was hosted at the J.B. Deagle Complex, where children of all ages were invited inside for crafts and a visit with Peter Cottontail, just in from hiding brightly coloured eggs in the snow.
Not everyone was thrilled with the sighting.
“I mean, the Easter bunny isn’t for everyone,” said Brad Vandenberg, who was trying to hold onto his daughter Graicey, who was recovering from her sighting. She buried her face into his coat lapel.
Families, once registered in the Marty McSorley Community Pavilion, indulged in Timbits, coffee, and hot chocolate provided by Fisherville Lions, before the festivities began.
The lions not only provided the Timmies for everyone, they served as parking valets and presented the agency with a cheque for $2,250.
Three different age groups were let loose on the snow laden hillside and kids screeched and tumbled about, trying to capture an egg – which was later traded in for a goodie bag.
“I think this is going ‘eggzactly’ as it should,” said Peter Cottontail, before he continued to hop on down the bunny trail.
Across town, an egg-citing time was had by the many big and small yolks attending the second annual St. John the Divine Easter Egg Hunt held on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
The morning was jam packed with fun craft stations such as cupcake decorating, egg painting and cloth bunny making. Before the craft activities, Pastor Cathie Browning led the children through the Stations of the Cross.
Shaun Ryan is with twin sons Austin and Brodie (7) as they take their eggs for a dip. 
Dad Zachary Burke and son Nico (1.5) look on as sister Mila (6) decorates her cupcake. 
Sporting their best bunny ears are local peeps Tristan Eichelman (4), Hailey Boult (7), Alysah Eichelman (6), Kayla Boult (6), and Izaya Eichelman (8). 
the eggs-cellent volunteers who make it all happen. Kelly Goodale, Kathleen Armstrong, Helen Evans, Claire Gillyatt, and Elizabeth Hurkmans. —Haldimand Press Photos by Tina Brajic.
