“It was a beautiful, amazing day,” said Fairfield Mayor Kenneth Hughes. “We were able to provide a blessing for so many children, in a time of uncertainty.”


Easter gifts were handed out to 1,257 children during Fairfield’s annual Eggstravaganza, which was transformed into a “Drive-thru” event this past weekend.


Participants drove through the W.L. Moody Reunion Grounds during a two-hour period on Friday evening and two hours on Saturday morning. After picking up an Easter box filled with treats, the Easter bunny waved at children as they left the park.


Partnering with the Community Food Bank, volunteers were pre-screened and the event was conducted in accordance with CDC and State guidelines for a food bank drive-thru, according to City Administrator Nate Smith.


Food banks are considered as “essential” under the State Order, provided CDC guidelines are followed by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.


Those working the Eggstravaganza event wore protective gear, and participants were required to stay in their vehicles as they made their way through the park.


Robert Smith, food bank director and pastor for River of Life Family Worship, shared that 1,000 Easter boxes were assembled prior to the event, using all safety precautions.


According to Smith, the boxes included 24,000 plastic filled eggs, 46,000 chocolate eggs, and craft activities for the kids.


“The chocolate eggs came directly from the manufacturer at Russell Stover’s,” said Pastor Smith. “I picked them up, myself.”


Easter boxes were also provided to Pleasant Hills Children’s Home.


The Eggstravaganza is presented annually by the City of Fairfield and organized by Fairfield Chamber of Commerce volunteers.


Joining this year’s efforts were several churches, including River of Life Family Worship Center, Round Prairie Baptist Church, and New Life Church.


Prior to the event, a few citizens questioned whether the Easter event could be considered “essential” under the newest State guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


However, Mayor Hughes believes the Eggstravaganza to have been essential in supporting the mental health for both the kids, who have been cut off from school and friends; and their parents, many of whom are out of work and struggling to put food on the table.


“To provide an Easter present, and see the smiles on children’s faces, really touched me,” said Mayor Hughes. “It was amazing.”


(Submitted Photos)