Despite chilly, and at times windy, weather, the Northampton Borough annual Easter egg hunt March 28 was “egg”cellent fun. A large turnout of excited kids and their families attended the event. The Easter Bunny roamed around greeting all who were there. After the hunt, the Easter Bunny posed for pictures with kids and their families.

The borough Easter egg hunt was all about fun, with kids running around, happy families socializing with each other and, of course, candy.

A group of volunteers including Josh Sportelli, Jacob Kutzler, Kim Gehris and more, led by Northampton Borough Manager Brian Welsko and Assistant Borough Manager Jerry Serensits, helped make the event a success. Also helping at the egg hunt was Northampton Fire Police members who completed a number of tasks.

Children up to age 10 stood at their designated area and switched into high gear after the countdown by Welsko. Each egg had a piece of candy in it, and all children present received a large brown chocolate bunny after the hunt as a gift.

Alaya Pena, daughter of Carolina and Luis Pena, of Northampton, was delighted to get her picture taken with the Easter Bunny. When asked what she wants for Easter, Alaya said, “Candy.”

After the hunt, many of the kids, along with some parents, filled up the playground area’s sliding board and other climbing equipment and hung around for some extra fun.

A popular event attendee was a beautiful, docile 5-year-old rescue dalmatian named Cooper, who looked very comfortable at the event. Owner Jerry Montanans and his spouse Devon said they enjoyed the event.

There are a number of beliefs or customs explaining the origin of Easter egg hunts. One said the custom of the Easter egg hunt comes from Germany. Some suggest it dates back to the late 16th century when the Protestant reformer Martin Luther organized egg hunts for his congregation. The men would hide the eggs for the woman and children to find.

Another custom said Easter eggs might have originated with early Christians who used the egg as a symbol of their belief in Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The sealed eggshell represented the tomb, and cracking it open symbolized Christ rising from the dead.

Early Orthodox churches distributed “blessed” eggs at Paschal vigil services on Holy Saturday.

The borough’s annual Easter egg hunt is a memory maker for kids and their families. The diversity and fellowship of the egg hunt gratified Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash as he mingled with the volunteers and attendees.