April 5, 2005

Bunnies, bonnets and balloons add to the fun and festivities of Easter weekend

By Jennifer Robertson
Staff Writer

Once again, people from all over the area flocked to Campbell for two very popular annual Easter events: the Eggstravaganza, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, and the Bunnies and Bonnets Parade, co-sponsored by the Downtown Business Association and the city of Campbell. Both events were held the Saturday before Easter.

Campbell’s “Eggstravaganza” drew a large, diverse crowd, including the Easter Bunny! After plastic colored eggs were sprinkled throughout the lawn, it took only a few minutes for the eggs to be gathered into baskets.

Terry Lash, organization member and Eggstravaganza coordinator, said that 4,000 eggs were used for the egg hunt. Most were filled with candy, but some also contained prize notifications. That may seem like a lot of eggs, but they were all picked up within minutes! “I always tell people that if the egg hunt starts at 10, if you arrive at 10:02, you’re too late,” she laughed.

The Eggstravaganza was held in the field behind the Campbell Community Center and attracted more than 400 people, which is more than in previous years.

For the past five years, it has been sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, a public service organization that helps youth and children. Funds for this event were raised through member donations and a generous contribution from Kirkwood Plaza Kirkorian Enterprises.

The Bunnies and Bonnets Parade that followed was held on Campbell Avenue in downtown Campbell. Entertainment included marching bands, bagpipe players, baton twirlers, candy throwers, prancing pups and, of course, the Easter Bunny.

Baton twirling seems almost second nature for Jamie Hogan, Valley Baton twirler. It’s no surprise. Her mother was a baton twirler as well. The group practices at the Campbell Community Center.

Lloyd Taylor, owner of Quality Graphics, was responsible for planning the parade. He estimates that more than 1,500 people showed up to the event, including many families. “This shows that Campbell is a family-oriented city,” he said.

Taylor feels the parade was “spectacular” due to the spirit of cooperation that existed. Even the weather was cooperative. “Mother nature always seems to shine on the parade,” he commented.