“I ran fast and looked for pretty eggs,” said 4-year-old egg hunt participant Ava Karagianes of La Mesa. Karagianes was at the Santee Lakes’ Spring Eggstravaganza, held on Mar. 25, with her mother Lauren and other friends. Lake Five was the focal point of the event.
The Eggstravaganza also offered fun for adults. Family-man Rolando Serrano of San Carlos landed the win in a men’s hula hoop contest.
“I ran fast and looked for pretty eggs,” said 4-year-old egg hunt participant Ava Karagianes of La Mesa. Karagianes was at the Santee Lakes’ Spring Eggstravaganza, held on Mar. 25, with her mother Lauren and other friends. Lake Five was the focal point of the event.
The Eggstravaganza also offered fun for adults. Family-man Rolando Serrano of San Carlos landed the win in a men’s hula hoop contest.
“It’s all in the hips,” said Serrano, who must have been inspired listening to the tunes spun by Primo Desiderio co-owner of Primo DJ’s.
Serrano, along with other parents and kids participated in the many activities offered to attendees such as egg hunts, amusement rides and crafts.
“It’s our 15th annual Eggstravaganza,” said Bree Humphrey, special events supervisor for the City of Santee. “The City of Santee and Santee Lakes co-host the event. New this year, we have the Easter bunny character to get a photo with. And everyone loves the marshmallow bunny crafts.”
Humphrey said the turnout was expected to be large.
“We will have 8,000-10,000 people,” Humphrey said. “There will be 40 egg hunts. If they forgot to bring a basket we have plastic bags.”
Rosie Junkin, with Santee Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, a sponsor, said it was a fun day.
“This is our first year at this event,” Junkin said. “The kids were so excited to win a toothbrush.”
Julie Cavalcante and her husband Pat handed out the goody bags to the kids after they finished their egg hunts.
“We started volunteering at Woodglen Vista park,” said Cavalcante. “Every child gets a goody bag. They are filled with snacks and coupons.”
The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., had families wearing their sunday best and others lounging in casual attire. Bunny ear headbands were prevalent, as were baby strollers. For one dollar a ticket, families were able to enter, streaming through the entrance, past people fishing or riding the paddle boats around the lakes.
The award-winning 190-acre park and campgrounds offers bike rentals, fishing, camping, and even floating cabins for rent. Additionally playgrounds, a store, and areas for the public to hold birthday parties or picnics are available. Visit www.santeelakes.com for information on their next event, Catfish Season, and other event information.
