By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

There was nonstop laughter and screams of joy Friday evening at Potter’s Place Church as children ran around jumping and playing with one main goal in mind — to find the golden egg containing a $50 prize.

As they arrived at the Potter’s Place Easter Fun Day, children were ushered into the church until it was time to search for the hidden treasure.

Bursting with energy and excitement, after all of the eggs were hidden away they lined up and prepared for takeoff.

Over 400 eggs were hidden throughout the church’s property with candy filled, plastic eggs, regular eggs and the one special golden egg.

Between breaks from jumping in the bouncy house and playing in the church’s playground, children gathered around the food table for a bite to eat. There was also a face painting station where they could choose a design to be painted on their faces.

Event organizer Lequita Carter said the church has been hosting the fun day for several years, and each year children from all over the community come out to enjoy the festivities.

“Usually when we do the event we have a great turnout,” she said.

Giving back is important to their church, and this is an effort for the church to be involved in the community.

“We do it to give back to the community and reach out as a church organization,” she said.

“Our goal is to reach and draw people to God. We use this event as a way to pull more souls into God.”

Even with a larger message in mind, the church still wants the children to remember how important it is to simply have fun.

“You have plenty of time to grow up and experience childhood in a fun way,” Carter said. “This gives kids the opportunity to get out of the house and get off the electronics.”

Three-year-old Devinne Minter was the victor of the day after he found the golden egg within minutes of the start of the hunt. Carter said the children are the most excited about finding the golden egg, but the church’s most exciting feeling is to see the children enjoy the moment while remembering the reason for the season.