RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Stonehouse Park filled with the sounds of laughter and scrambling feet on April 4 as hundreds of children dashed across the grass for candy-filled eggs at the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta’s annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic.

Organizers did not provide an official attendance count, but the turnout appeared larger than last year’s estimated 450 attendees.

More than 4,500 plastic eggs filled with candy and stickers were scattered across the softball field and divided into three age groups, giving children multiple chances to dash, scoop and fill their baskets.

Between the second and third hunts, one eager participant got a head start. Lacey Carbonetti, 3, ran onto the field ahead of the signal, basket in hand. Her brother, Cameron, 5, chased after her, calling, “I’ve got the egg,” before their mother told him to put it back, resetting the moment before the next hunt.

Beyond the egg hunts, families enjoyed a range of activities, including Easter crafts, cookie decorating, glitter tattoos and a petting zoo.

“The children enjoyed making Easter crafts as mementos of the hunt, and their decorated cookies probably went home in their tummies,” said co-organizer Bronwyn Anthony.

She added that the petting zoo was “always a big hit,” especially this year with baby animals “just the right size for youngsters to pet, almost eye to eye.”

The Murieta Dance Company’s Mini Competitive team performed its routine “Loyal, Brave and True,” drawing applause from the crowd.

Music and announcements from DJ Chris Perris provided an upbeat backdrop, guiding families through the schedule and highlighting performances and activities. Anthony said Perris “does a great job” keeping the event running smoothly.

Putting on the event required weeks of preparation and a large volunteer effort. 

“The stuffing of eggs takes a small, well-coordinated army,” said Kiwanian Cookie Whalen.

That effort included the Cosumnes River Elementary K-Kids, Rancho Murieta Girl Scouts, parent volunteers and Key Club members from Rancho Murieta, who worked together to fill thousands of eggs ahead of the event.

On the day of the event, Kiwanis members, Key Club volunteers and others staffed activity booths, sold tickets and helped to keep things running smoothly.

Organizers also encountered an unexpected challenge: spotty Wi-Fi disrupted the event’s card reader, causing some transactions to fail. Whalen encouraged anyone who missed a payment to visit rmkiwanis.org and donate.

Organizers also thanked the Rancho Murieta Association Maintenance Department for helping stage the event, including setting up tents and tables.

 “The Maintenance Department was absolutely fabulous,” Anthony said.

The organizers said the event delivered what the community has come to expect. “We are very pleased with how well the event went,” Anthony said. “We are delighted to provide this festive event for the children and their families of Rancho Murieta.”

Whalen echoed that sentiment, saying it was “a pleasure to see so many families enjoy the wonderful day.”

From the first dash across the field to the last swirl of cotton candy, the annual tradition once again delivered a morning of simple joys for Rancho Murieta families.