SRPD treats local children

The Shafter Recreation Department held a Drive Thru Easter event on Saturday, giving away 700 bags of goodies and eggs to local families. This is the second year that they have held the Drive Thru event. Before the pandemic, they would hold an Easter Egg Hunt on the complex, letting local children hunt for eggs and get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

According to SRPD District Manager, Philip Jimenez, they decided to keep the event as a drive thru this year, erring on the side of caution. "With the property owned by the Kern High School District, they still have restrictions in place when it comes to large gatherings, so we decided to keep it a drive through event for this year. Hopefully, next year we can go back to hosting the event in-person, with the kids able to hunt eggs at the complex," added Jimenez.

Over 100 vehicles were lined up ready to get their eggs and bags as the event began. Each family received a bag for each child in the family. The bag contained eggs filled with candy. There was also information handed out, instructing the families on how to get entered into a drawing for some great prizes.

"They go home and have an egg hunt at their homes. They take pictures, upload the pictures and post them online, tagging us in the post. They are then entered into a drawing for bicycles, and several big Easter baskets," said Jimenez. The bicycles were donated by R.S. Electric and the baskets were donated by Loreno Ayon.

The Easter Bunny was on hand, handing out some of the bags and waving at all of the cars that waited so patiently in line.

Jimenez said that in addition to the Easter event, they are busy with their upcoming Baseball season, with 700 kids signed up to play this year. They also are holding signups for their Flag Football season and Volleyball season.

"We also are preparing for our Summer Day Camp, which has become very popular," said Jimenez. The camp is held all day during the summer and offers a great variety of classes and activities including robotics, art class, different craft projects, and so much more to keep the kids engaged.

You can check out all of the events and activities they have going by going to their website or visit their office at 700 E. Tulare Avenue, or call them at (661) 746 3303.