The Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) is once again proud to hosting an Easter Egg Hunt/Gather on Saturday, March 30, activities are from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Piers Park in East Boston. Founded by John Tallutto, the hunt is in its second year at Piers Park, and is looking to be even bigger than last year, when more than 300 families participated!
Primarily funded by the East Boston Foundation, additional sponsorship has been generously provided by the East Boston Neighborhood Health Centers, Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta and State Representative Adrian Madaro.
Egg events will occur at 11 AM SHARP, and families need to bring something to carry eggs, as that will not be provided.
The organizers, John Tallutto, Allison DeeBee and Margaret Farmer all enjoy seeing the community come together and improving the event every year. This year, John in the bunny costume, will be setting up a “photo station” for families, to ensure even more people have a chance to get a photo with the Easter bunny. Allison has recruited the help of our local A7 police station to stuff eggs for the big day. Last year, the event went through 4,000 eggs in less than 15 minutes.
How many egg events will be dictated by the number of volunteers the organizers are able to recruit. We need at least 30 volunteers to make everything run smoothly. Ideally, organizers would like a chill, roll type event for babies and tots aged 0-3, with a “grab” or pile of eggs in a field for kids aged 4-7. Ages 8 and up would be out on the pier. In addition to hiding eggs on the pier, we need “egg agents” who would loiter on the pier and drop additional eggs after they were grabbed by a kid, effectively extending the hunt. Someone could do this dressed as a secret agent, or go full bunny. We are reaching out to local high schools, but welcome any business or group who thinks any of these sound fun. If you are able to volunteer, please email [email protected].
The event was founded by John Tallutto and Joanne Pomodoro in Cuneo Park, in 2017. Asked why they started the event, John Tallutto stated “I thought this would be a great event for the community, something kids would really enjoy”. Margaret Farmer added “It is so expensive for families today. This is a free event that can hopefully become a family tradition for families to really enjoy.” Like last year, the Non-profit organization Knucklebones, out of Charlestown, will be running games to get kids moving and keep them active. Knucklebones Team Member Erin said their goal was “Send the kids home tired, but happy, having had some real fun”.
Families are encouraged to be in place a few minutes before 11 AM because egg activities will begin on time. For more information, please check Facebook. We will collect empty egg shells at the end of the event for families who do not wish to take them home, to re-use again next year!
How can you help? In addition to volunteers, we are hoping for donations of stuffed, or unstuffed eggs! Nick from Carmella’s on 86 Cottage Street in East Boston has offered to accept and hold eggs. They can be dropped off anytime during business hours, Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 3PM.
This event is completely free and open to the entire community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please contact [email protected] for more information on the event, to volunteer or with questions!