This weekend was brimming with Easter services, family gatherings, brunches and, of course, search parties for ovular objects.
Mother Nature cooperated with sunshine inviting people outdoors to enjoy the early festive date, which is determined by moon phase.
On a clear Saturday morning at a somewhat soggy Oak Meadow, at Vasona Lake County Park, the annual “Hippity Hop ‘till You Drop!” was held, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos.
Children brought their own baskets, and at 10am sharp, the go-ahead was given and all rushed into the circle where more than 8,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes had been placed.
The Easter Bunny hopped by to wish everyone a “Happy Easter!” and provide a great photo opportunity. There were plenty of smiles.
Under the pavilion, games unfolded. Children hopped through a chalk-drawn hopscotch court.
As the kids and parents munched on their sweets, the Billy Jones Wildcat Train came to life with a loud steam whistle. The line to get onboard grew rapidly.
Some families had brought picnic lunches. The scent of barbecue began to fill the Meadow.
Human-powered vessels are allowed when the water is up.
This year, the H20 had been drained by the Santa Clara Valley Water District after an inspection by the Division of Safety of Dams, which ordered some patching.
Many families enjoyed strolling around this 12-acre park, or taking the small ones to the playground. That area was full of children climbing on the fire engine and the decommissioned USAF T-33 jet. You got the feeling that summer might just be around the next rainstorm.
On Sunday, morning sunrise services were offered at our local houses of worship.
At St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, on Bean Avenue, there was Father Seth Kupo, leading the 9am mass. The space was traditional in its splendor. An ornamental cross with white roses adorned the entrance. The sanctuary was full of traditional Easter lilies with gold and white ribbons attached.
Meanwhile, by the high school at Los Gatos United Methodist Church, Pastor Daniel F. Diss was preparing for their next service, as the organist warmed up for the rejoicing to come.
Down at Calvary Church at 16330 Los Gatos Blvd., a donut wall greeted worshipers. In one room, children played under a blacklight that turned the room into a neon wonderland. Lead Pastor Dale Gustafson conducted the service.
“Happy Easter everyone, how we doin’?” he asked, clapping his hands together. “It is an exciting, exciting day that we all get to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.”
With that he launched into a passage from John 20 and talked about Mary Magdalene mistaking the Son of God for a gardener.
