SNAPSHOTS: Annual Easter Egg Hunt Attracts Thousands

The Easter bunny would of been proud of the numerous egg hunts and activities taking place at , Saturday, during the city's . The event, organized by and a handful of other organizations, was a family-friendly celebration for South County residents. 

"We set out to create a safe environment and to deliver a positive message that people don't have to use drugs and alcohol to have a good time," said Tony Boykins, a church leader at Victory Outreach. "No matter who you are, we want you to be a positive role model for the children in your life."

Organizers estimated that 3,000 kids and adults turned out for five Easter egg hunts, spaced throughout the day and divided by age group.

"We were a lot bigger than last year," Boykins said. "We had a line of kids going from one end of the park to the other. It was wild."

Organizers spent two weeks hiding over 38,000 eggs throughout the park. Some eggs were filled with special-prize tickets for items like bikes and scooters.

In addition to the egg hunts, activities like face painting, bounce houses, games and birdhouse building, courtesy of the Gilroy Lions Club, kept youngsters hopping throughout the day.

"Gilroy is a good place," Boykins said. "It's a good place to raise a family. We can't take 100 percent of the credit for today. This is a community event."

Thanks to donations of materials and finances from organizations like the Gilroy Gang Task Force, the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA), Lowe's and Del Sol, organizers hope to keep the event growing each year.

"We are trying to grow bigger every year," said Nellie Elizondo, a youth leader at Victory Outreach who helped organize Saturday's event. "The kids are really into it and the adults get into it too."