Parade of Easter Activities

Preschool, Community, Seniors Celebrate

By Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — There was no shortage of activities for the celebration of the Easter holiday in Immokalee. The Immokalee Preschool, community and seniors all celebrated with respective parties.

Seniors Easter Party

The seniors Easter party got under way on April 12, with a variety of events. Beginning with the ever popular game of Bingo, the participants next competed in an Easter bonnet contest and the most beautiful and original Easter basket competition.

Judging the events were Seminole Police Department officers Laura Herran and Allen Colon, who found it hard to make a decision with so many fabulous entries. They were grateful that all entries remained anonymous until the results were announced.

First place in both the basket and hat contest went to Louise Motlow. The second place basket went to Rachel Billie and third was Elaine Aguilar.

The hats were not only humorous, but a creation to behold with little floppy ducks, eggs, flowers, grass, sequins, bunnies and a multitude of unbelievable items in their décor. At the completion of the contest, Elaine Aguilar was in the second slot and Rachel Billie took third.

A special thank you goes out to the department staffs, which put a great deal of thought and care into the preparation of the prize baskets which they donated. In addition to the standard stuffed animals, candy and flowers, there were gift cards, perfume, ceramics, jewelry, keepsakes and so much more. Each basket proved to be a treasure chest for the winner.

A few of the contributors were: Seminole Broadcasting, Recreation, Department of Elders Affairs, Library, Seminole Police Department, Utilities, Health and the Clinic. Seminole Tribal Nutritionist Charlotte Porcaro delighted the gathering by bringing her blender and creating some very healthy and taste pleasing smoothies as refreshments during the activities.

Senior Joseph Billie fired up the old barbecue grill and turned out some of the most mouth watering ribs and chicken ever. Accompanied by potato salad, beans, hard boiled eggs and a tossed salad, prepared by Connie Gray, Gayle Greer and Angie Arreguin, it was a meal fit for kings and queens.

Dessert was a beautifully decorated homemade cake with Easter colors and characters. Each one of the seniors received an individual bunny cake with jelly bean eyes to take home for an evening snack.

Moving to the front lawn, the party goers participated in an Easter egg hunt with cash prizes concealed in each egg. At the end of the party each senior received a beautiful centerpiece for their dining table comprised of a ceramic pot with an assortment of Easter florals.

Preschool Easter Party

The staff of the Immokalee Seminole Preschool put together a fantastic party for their students on April 14.

The little tykes gathered in the school yard for their annual Easter Egg Hunt armed with their baskets and high expectations. It is a joy to watch their enthusiasm grow as they locate each egg and run for the next, hoping to fill their baskets to over flowing.

Following a series of games, they enjoyed a chicken dinner with their friends and family members before diving into the long awaited Easter cake. Each student received a basket loaded with treasures: toys, stuffed animals, chocolate bunnies and candy eggs, crayons and little games.

By far the highlight of the day was the bounce house and inflated Slip-n-Slide® where they played to their hearts content.

Immokalee Community Easter Party

Gathering at the Ball Field at 10 a.m. on April 15, the Immokalee community members celebrated the Easter holiday. Their Recreation department had planned a full day of activities which began by popular demand with the Easter egg hunt.

Divided into age groups, separate areas provided an equal opportunity for each individual to participate. Giant Easter baskets were awarded to the winners with the most eggs in each category from first through third place.

A great deal of care went into the basket preparation to insure that they were age appropriate. In addition to chocolates, candies, and small toys, there were bubbles, coloring books, crayons, markers, jewelry and little cars for the younger set.

Games such as Yahtzee®, Scrabble®, Monopoly® and Trivial Pursuit® joined black lights, music and Walmart gift cards in the baskets of the older winners.

A picnic lunch was served under the big chickee with hamburgers and hot dogs hot off the grill, potato chips, cold drinks and Easter cupcakes.

A waterslide proved to be a popular gathering place as the heat of the afternoon set in with a promise of a hot summer ahead. There were never less than 10 to 15 people taking advantage of its cool, refreshing atmosphere, at any one time.

Other activities included foot races, egg toss, water balloon toss, egg relay and horse shoes with cash prizes awarded through third place.

Everyone received one raffle ticket and as the numbers were called, the winner was given an opportunity to select a plastic egg from a basket which contained prizes ranging. Before the afternoon was over, everyone had an opportunity to draw a winning egg.

Several community members donated their time to put this party together and make it the wonderful success that was enjoyed by all. A special thank you to Sylvia Marrero who coordinated the event.