2025
$1 including gst
CANADIAN FEDERAL
ELECTION
CANDIDATE Q&A INSIDE!
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! VOLUME 107: ISSUE 34
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Tofield Chamber hosts second annual Easter Egg Hunt
Kids swarmed Cookson Park in Tofield on Saturday, April 19 for the Tofield Chamber's second annual Easter Egg Hunt. Following the mad scramble, crafts, cake, and door prizes were had at the Tofield Golden Club. CASSANDRA LUNDBEK & KARI JANZEN PHOTOS Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter
Families from across Beaver County gathered at Cookson Park in Tofield on Saturday, April 19 for the Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt, and they were met with sweet treats, sunny skies, and plenty of festive fun. The event officially kicked off at 1:30 p.m., and the park quickly filled with the sounds of laughter and excited children eager to collect as much chocolate as possible. From tots holding their parents’ hands for balance to older kids dashing through the grass, everyone was enjoying the lighthearted community celebration. “Last year was our first year, and we definitely had an overwhelming number of children come,” said Christina Kovalenko, Membership Director of the Chamber and owner of The Sour Moose. “Many parents provided positive feedback last year, but there was room for improvement as
that was my first year planning the event.” Kovalenko noted that last year’s turnout far exceeded expectations, with more than 300 children attending despite low registration numbers. That experience helped shape several key changes this year. While the Chamber chose not to pre-register participants this time, they were prepared for a crowd—and they got one. One of the biggest adjustments was having children of all ages participate in a unified hunt at Cookson Park, a change from last year’s split locations. This shift was designed to make things easier for families with kids of different ages. “It was important to us
to create an experience that felt inclusive and manageable,” said Kovalenko. “We heard that having to split up made things challenging for some families.” “This year, we increased the number of eggs supplied for the Easter egg hunt—we had 100 pounds of foil wrapped chocolate eggs,” said Kovalenko. Last year filled plastic eggs by hand. The switch allowed for a greater number of treats and better food safety practices. “We learned a lot last year,” she said. “This year, I wanted to focus on improving efficiency and ensuring that no child left empty-handed,” said Kovalenko. In addition to the hunt
itself, two oversized special guests—the Easter Bunny and a cheerful walking Easter Egg— strolled through the park, posing for photos and bringing an extra dose of magic to the day. Many families paused their egg hunts to snap a quick picture or share a hug with the lovable mascots. Crafts and refreshments were also part of the day’s festivities. This year, the post-hunt activities were moved to the Tofield Golden Club, offering a more spacious setting than the last year. Families created holiday crafts, entered a colouring contest, and had cake and juice. Many local businesses and community groups came together to support
the event. Sponsors included Tofield Electric, The Sour Moose, the Town of Tofield, Country Lane Pet Boarding, Precision 9 Laser Design, Lorenz Team Realty Group, Uncle Roger’s Family Dining, the Tofield Golden Club, and the Tofield Legion. Additional prize donors included Yvonne Brown and Alexandra Payne, who contributed a photoshoot valued at over $200. Parents were encouraged to bring their own baskets, dress for the weather, and be mindful
that the eggs might contain allergens such as milk and gluten. The Chamber took extra care this year to ensure clear communication, accessible amenities, and a warm welcome for everyone who attended. “Events like these truly showcase just how incredible Tofield is! Our businesses shine with generosity, our community buzzes with vibrancy, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the great outdoors and just have some fun,” Kovalenko said.
Ellie posed with the Easter Egg mascot at Cookson Park.