Easter Eggstravaganza

About 1,000 people came out for the Eggstravaganza, a new Easter event sponsored by several area churches Saturday at Roosevelt County Fairgrounds.

The Eggstravaganza included an egg hunt, live music and children’s activities, all free and open to the community. Almost 10 churches from around the area sponsored the event to share the Christian meaning of Easter, said organizer Brad Morgan, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Portales.

“I feel like we’ve had the opportunity to share the true meaning of Easter with people who would not have otherwise heard,” he said, adding that had been the heart and hope of those who put on the event.

“The reason we celebrate Easter is because Jesus rose and is alive forevermore,” Brad Morgan said. “And therefore we have the hope of eternal life if we believe in him.”

About 65 volunteers operated inflatable games and jumping pads, painted faces, supervised crafts and more, he said. Musicians also donated their time to entertain.

“I think it’s very fun,” said 10-year-old Lynsie Nickels.

She said her favorite part of the event was face painting because she could see the colors and what was going on.

Adult attendee Matthew McDaniel called the Eggstravaganza wonderful.

“There’s such a huge community turnout,” he said.

His son, Auguste McDaniel, 5, most enjoyed the event’s “jumping balloon.” He also explained the significance of colorful school of fish painted on his face: “It’s for knowing all about what Jesus did.”

The colors of paint represented different aspects of Christian beliefs and worship.

“It’s a good way to reach out to kids and pull them into church and tell the story of salvation through face painting, which kids seem to like,” said volunteer face painter Shawna Wortham.

Face painter Suzie Childers said she volunteered “just so I could be with the kids, and it’s a good experience to always worship with whoever comes out.”

Mother-and-daughter team Kierra Seales, 16, and Nkoshe Seales made cotton candy at the Eggstravaganza. They said they helped because the event brought churches together and was a great way to spread their message and get involved in any church.

Brad Morgan’s wife, Shelly, said she was driving to work in Clovis when God gave her the vision for the Eggstravaganza. She called her husband and told him they needed to organize the event to share the true meaning of Easter.

“It’s not about the bunnies and the chicks,” Shelly Morgan said. “It’s about Jesus.”

Brad Morgan said volunteers are already making plans for next year’s Eggstravaganza.