Hoppin’ Easter fun at Iron Horse Park

Photo By Rick Emert | FORT CARSON, Colo. — Lorraine Thorson, left, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and Rebecca Baden gather Easter eggs to give to children April 3, 2021, during the Fort Carson Hoppin’ Easter Drive at Iron Horse Park. Due to COVID-19 precautions, parents drove through stations where they were able to remain in their vehicles, while still enjoying the Easter festivities. (Photo by Walt Johnson)  

UNITED STATES

04.03.2021

Courtesy Story

Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

By Walt Johnson

Mountaineer staff

FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) hosted the Fort Carson Hoppin’ Easter Drive April 3, 2021, at Iron Horse Park.

According to Sarah Dingman, special events coordinator, Fort Carson DFMWR, the event was staged to celebrate Easter with members of the Fort Carson community in addition to making people aware of upcoming DFMWR events.

Community members lined up as early as 9:30 a.m. to take part in the day’s event, however, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the event had nine stations where Families could drive up. At each station, volunteers presented children with eggs and other Easter-related goodies. DFMWR staff took the opportunity to ensure aware of upcoming activities in May, as events begin to come back with COVID-19 precautions.

While there were long lines at the entrance to Iron Horse Park, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of children as their eagerness was visible, even from their buckled seats.

Fort Carson Soldier Enoch Rhoades and his Family attended the Easter event, and he said he and his wife thought this would be a great opportunity to take part in a Family-friendly activity for their three children.

“We said it would be good to bring our (kids) to the event because it would be a good family outing,” Rhoades said. “This also means we are making progress in being able to get out again and get back to a normal life.”

Before the pandemic, Iron Horse Park would have children running around and playing, and having a great time with the events normally associated with DFMWR Easter activities.

Nevertheless, people showed enthusiasm for this year’s event, even while Families remained in their cars. In one car after another, children received Easter eggs and other goodies, and the smiles were visible on their faces. The adults were even excited to see the upcoming announcements for DFMWR activities, since the pandemic has limited many activities for over a year.

Two of the biggest highlights of the day were the appearance of the Easter bunny and a company of Soldiers who made Easter-related characters with balloons. While the children loved the gifts, they expressed their excitement when saying hello to the Easter Bunny, who enthusiastically welcomed them with waves.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2021
• Date Posted: 05.04.2021 16:17
• Story ID: 395627
• Location: US