FITCHBURG — The first ever Easter Egg Hunt put on by the Parks and Recreation Department was a huge success.
On Saturday, April 8, at the Sam Pawlak Playground, kids braved the chilly weather. Over 500 eggs were found during the hunt and 100 bags with coloring books, crayons, toys, stuffed animals, and reading books were given out. One hundred children also received meal coupons from Texas Roadhouse.
The event was spearheaded by James Bunnell, director of the Fitchburg Parks and Recreation Department.

“This being the first community event I have organized for the city as the Parks and Recreation Director, I was nervous as to how it was going to go,” Bunnell said. “However, I was pleasantly surprised as to how many people came out and participated, not only from Fitchburg, but surrounding communities as well.
Bunnell said the people he spoke to at the event were very grateful and excited that the city had an event like this for the children.
“There were a lot of people who helped make this event as successful as it was, and I cannot express how grateful I am to all of the people who helped,” he said.
Bunnell would like to thank Cheryl Cucchiara and Lisa Fortunato, of JJ’s Helping Hands; members of the park’s crew; Jeff Hillman and Wendy Boulay of the Fitchburg DPW; Texas Roadhouse of Leominster; Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale; Councilor Paul Beauchman; the Rev. Annie Louise Belmer, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Fitchburg, and her husband, Fred Keel; Bunnell’s daughters, Gabrielle and Giuliana Bunnell, and of course, the Easter Bunny.
“I have made my notes and I will definitely need more eggs for next year because of how many people attended,” said Bunnell. The Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to hosting other events throughout the year for the community to enjoy.”