BARB BARRETT/The Luminary The Easter bunny hopped around Hughesville Saturday afternoon, April 20, on McConnell Parkway.

HUGHESVILLE – Easter has become a big celebration with a traditional Easter egg hunt held each year on McConnell Drive in Hughesville. Two women, Judy Marquette and Leslie Umstead, have kept the event going for the past eight years by inviting all children, family and friends to come to a free Easter party in honor of their sons, Steve Harkins and Jamie Houseknecht plus “all our loved ones now in the arms of Jesus.”

This message was announced to over 500 children by Umstead on a bright Saturday afternoon, April 21, 2019.

This day is important for them, and it took them many hours of planning and preparation.

“We are all five years old today,” they said before giving the okay signal for kids to gather the many filled and colorful eggs.

The event helps them get through a rough time, and the two women who share a common bond, are not only friends, but neighbors who willingly spend their time and efforts to put many smiles on many children’s faces. For it was during the Easter season, they experienced such a loss of their own loved ones.

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Enjoying the Easter egg hunt are Savannah Emerick, 9, of Hughesville, Abigail Holbrook, 8 of S. Williamsport, and Kendall Daugherty, 9 of Hughesville.

Over twenty thousand eggs were filled, and each child who registered received a gift basket. 35 boxes of Venice pizza were served for lunch with festive cupcakes, chips, drink boxes and everything that young children really like to eat. “We just have fun today. It’s all about the kids,” the ladies said.

A response from social media brought lots of help, volunteers and neighbors to assist with the event. Many donated water, candy, snacks, prizes, and more than anything, their time.

“It is a party celebration for children, and to bring joy to other kids,” added Umstead who also said that she makes purchases after the season to get ready for the following year. “My attic is already full,” she said.

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Helping to register kids and families at the Easter egg hunt on Sat. April 21st are (left to right) Mary Gray, Joanne Rogers and John Pierro.

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Over 500 children attended the annual Easter egg hunt on McConnell Parkway in Hughesville.

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary An Easter party for kids and families was planned by Leslie Umstead and Judy Marquette of Hughesville in their back yards where they served pizza, snacks, cupcakes and drink boxes.