A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
The staff and families of Iakwashatste take a moment for a photo before completing the preparations for the big Easter festivities for the entire family.
The Seniors Center was decorated in a bright and colorful spring and Easter theme.
A giant Easter Bunny was on hand to give out treats and goodies for all.
By Isaac White.
On Thursday, April 6th, Generations Park in Akwesasne hosted the delightful Easter Fest, an all-inclusive event designed to bring joy and entertainment to all demographics in the community. Despite the cloudy and dark weather, the spirits of those at the park remained bright and cheerful. The event was organized by the Iakwa'shatste Youth Fitness group, which hosted a range of engaging activities catering to all age groups, including a community walk, elders' Easter egg hunts, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.
Annie Cree, Director of Outdoor Programming for Iakwa'shatste, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the celebration, saying, "We made sure that everyone is included in this Easter celebration." The community walk commenced at 10 a.m., with participants earning one entry into a basket giveaway full of gardening goodies for each lap completed around the walking trail.
The Easter Bunny made a special appearance at the event, posing for pictures and spreading joy throughout the festivities. Cree reflected on the previous year's Easter event, where bad weather forced everyone into the lacrosse box at Generations. Thankfully, this year, the outdoor setting could be fully utilized despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Cree mentioned that the lacrosse box was used again this year, with 28 Lacrosse conducting activities for attendees. All facilities were employed to accommodate the various activities, including multiple egg hunts for different age groups. This ensured that everyone, regardless of age, had the opportunity to participate in the fun and find their share of Easter eggs.
Cree acknowledged that while there are many Easter festivities in Akwesasne, most tend to focus on children. In contrast, the Easter Fest was planned with all age groups in mind. A meal was served to community members, and Cree praised the hard work of Iakwa'shatste's five-person staff, as well as the collaboration with other programs to make the event a success. She emphasized the importance of creating an event that caters to all generations, allowing them to come together and celebrate as one community.
Generations Park staff received special recognition from Cree for their valuable contribution. "The park staff, even though it doesn't get put on the flyer, they're always part of every event that's here. They do so much," she said. Their dedication and hard work made it possible for the event to run smoothly and provide a memorable experience for all attendees.
In addition to the activities, the event also featured free food and prize giveaways, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone present. Akwesasne luminary Barbara Lazore shared her enthusiasm with Indian Time after completing her laps around the trail, saying, "It's nice to be out, now that it's getting warmer, to get out in the fresh air." Lazore also enjoyed participating in the Seniors egg hunt: "They put out 500 eggs, and we picked them up. Everyone had big baskets full," she said, laughing and smiling.
The inclusive nature of the Easter Fest allowed for greater community involvement and created a sense of unity among the residents of Akwesasne. Events like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusivity in celebration, making sure that no one feels left out or overlooked during such special occasions.
The Easter Fest was a testament to the community's dedication to fostering strong relationships among all members, from the youngest children to the elders. By working together, the community ensured a successful and enjoyable day for all, highlighting the beauty of unity and cooperation.
Easter Fest at Generations Park in Akwesasne provided a wonderful opportunity for community members of all ages to come together and celebrate the festive occasion. The event's focus on inclusivity, coupled with a range of engaging activities and collaborative efforts of various organizations and community members, made it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. The Iakwa'shatste Youth Fitness group's dedication to creating an open event showcased their commitment to fostering connections and unity within the Akwesasne community.
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