Organizers say that more than 2,500 people participated in Saturday’s (April 3) Most EGGcellent cruise, which saw families explore the city in a pandemic friendly way for some Easter fun.
The COVID-19 safe long weekend event took residents to 24 different locations in completing a scavenger hunt.
Dubbed the Most EGGcellent Cruise and organized by Dave Horton of 'Pandemic Friendly Entertainment, hundreds of families hopped into their vehicles, most with small children, and participated in a series of games, photo-ops and egg-collecting stations set up by various local businesses, non-profits and organizations.
Horton says organizers and locations handled the high numbers well but had to improvise to meet the demand.
"We lost count of cars but had 450 by 12:30 p.m." said Twyla Morgan, who was overseeing the Westwood Church drive-thru location.
"We even had people stopping in that didn't know what was going on. Some thought we were selling Girl Guide cookies and came to buy them. Very surprised when we gave them chips instead."
The crew from Westwood said they had to go buy more chips twice during the day.
Community members also dressed up for the occasion with lots of bunny ears and full costumes, ducks, foxes and even a moose.
"I cannot say thanks enough to the army of people it takes to make these things come together" noted Dayna Penson, one of the event organizers.
"Prize donors, volunteers, organizers, those who shared it on social media, set up crews and those who ran give-away stations. You have given back so much during a time where our community is feeling the effects of the pandemic. It takes a strong community to make these things happen and you all have proven again that Prince George is one of the greatest cities to live in.”
Horton, who was also the lead organizer behind the successful events over the pandemic including the Candy Cruise and The Family Day Adventure Cruise, says his efforts to organize large events may slow down.
“Local organizations are filling the gap for events more and more and my events, although fun, are starting to get in the way of the work these organizations need to get done,” says Horton.
“Vaccine roll out and the change of seasons means that mental health and community engagement will improve as we get closer to summer […] Thanks to all the organizations and individuals who have made these incredible events happen."
- with files from Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters
