Kids flock to minister as well as Easter Bunny at fest

Church's Easter event a hit
Kids flock to minister as well as Easter Bunny at fest

April 4, 2010
BY MICHELLE L. QUINN , POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT

SCHERERVILLE -- The Easter Bunny made his annual appearance at the Harvest Ridge Church's ninth annual Easter Fun Fest at the St. John Township Community Center, but 8-year-old Ricky Paz had more important people on which to bestow his admiration.
Ricky, at the Saturday celebration with Mom Julie and brother, Tony, 4, waited for the Rev. Michael Smith to finish emceeing the affair, then marched right up to him to let him know that Smith is "the funniest man" he knows.
"I came here to see Pastor Mike and have a fun time," Ricky said, gripping raffle tickets as if they were gold. "I won three Easter baskets at other things. Not here, but I didn't really care."
Smith smiled at Ricky's compliment, happy he got the young man's attention but happier the event was still so packed. Close to 800 people passed through the center for games, visiting with the rabbit and finding out a little more about his church.
"This event exposes the community to our church and broadcasts our core values," Smith said. "This is a great opportunity for families to get together.
"Plus, it's a free community event for everyone."
Even those who belong to other churches, like Nathan Stevens, 12, of Schererville. Nathan also sought out Smith, only he wanted to find out about his winnings after he won the cup-stacking game.
Cup-stacking, where players stack a group of plastic cups in various patterns as fast as they can, was a new event added to this year's fest, along with Rascal the RailCat and a visit from Schererville's Police, Fire and Emergency Services Departments, Smith said.
"My mom goes to (another program held at the center during the week), and she heard that there was going to be a stacking contest," Nathan explained. "I won three different times."
Harvest Ridge Church currently holds Sunday services at the Community Center but is working on building its church on 10 acres it owns in town, Smith said.