Families from across the region gathered Saturday for the annual Great Easter Egg Hunt in Steinbach, with thousands of children filling their baskets and enjoying a day built around community connection. Hosted by A&W Steinbach in partnership with Mennonite Heritage Village and Steinbach Family Resource Centre, the event featured an estimated 60,000 eggs spread across the grounds, along with a variety of free family activities. The event is being highlighted Easter Sunday as one of the community’s signature holiday celebrations. Favourable weather, strong turnout Organizer Tamara Williamson with A&W Steinbach said the event delivered another successful year, despite the unpredictability that comes with planning outdoor gatherings. “You never know. Every year, different weather, different crowds, but it was beautiful. We enjoyed it.” With clear skies and mild temperatures, families turned out in large numbers to take part in the hunt and surrounding activities. @steinbach_online 🥚✨ The Great Easter Egg Hunt, powered by A&W Steinbach, brought smiles at Mennonite Heritage Village! From face painting and games, thanks to Steinbach Family Resource Center, to the chocolate scramble—kids had a blast! 🍫🎨🏃‍♂️ #GreatEasterEggHunt #AWSteinbach #FamilyFun #EggScramble #MennoniteHeritageVillage ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline Thousands of eggs and happy faces The 60,000 eggs proved to be enough for eager participants, as children spread out across the grounds collecting treats. “It certainly seemed to be, judging by the full baskets and the happy faces.” For Williamson, the success of the event goes beyond the numbers. “I love it, that's what I want, for this to be a community connection event.” Related Stories: Easter weekend in Steinbach: what is open and closed? Easter Treats on Feel Good Friday Listen for local news coverage on the radio MHV provides space for community gathering As the host venue, Mennonite Heritage Village staff said the event continues to be a highlight of their annual programming. “I think it went great. Everyone looked happy. The kids were having a great time,” said Jaysa Thiessen. “I see kids going home with lots of chocolate, which is awesome.” Thiessen added the organization values its role in bringing people together. “We're really happy to get to be involved in such a large community event. It's always awesome and we can have so many people from the community gathering together.” She said that events like this also introduce new visitors to the site. “With free admission, it's very accessible for lots of different families to be here. I'm so glad that we get to do so many free admission days to get people through the doors, understanding about who we are, what we do, and just having a great time.” Family Resource Centre connects with families Inside the venue, the Steinbach Family Resource Centre offered activities including games, face painting, and a colouring contest. Executive director Jo-Anne Dalton said the response from families was steady throughout the day. “We love being part of this event. It puts us in front of so many families in our community.” Dalton said the event provides an opportunity to connect families with available supports. “It helps people to understand that we are here to support families through all stages and ages and celebrations and holidays and struggles and challenges.” She added that accessibility plays a key role in the event’s success. “Just so much gratitude that the community has an event that's free, that's fun on Easter,” Dalton said. “It gives everyone a place to go, something to do, a place to come together and it's just really great.” Dalton also expressed appreciation to organizers. “Thank you for doing this for the community.” Families embrace Easter tradition For many attendees, the event has become a highlight of the Easter weekend. Miriam Loewen attended with her children, Emmy and Jake, and said the experience delivered exactly what families are looking for. “They got tons of candy. It was a great event. The weather was fantastic. Lots of running around.” She adds that the free nature of the event makes it even more meaningful. “I think that was fantastic. So nice of them to do that.” As families headed home with full baskets and smiling faces, organizers say the continued support reinforces the event’s role as a cornerstone of Easter in Steinbach. -Written with files from Carly Koop and Corny Rempel.