A beloved Easter tradition returned to downtown Paso Robles last Saturday, as families gathered at City Park for the “Hop To It” event, a festive celebration that blended nostalgia, community spirit, and a renewed sense of togetherness.
Hosted by the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association in partnership with Paso Robles Magazine, the event featured an Easter egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Held at the park’s Holiday House, the celebration marked the first egg hunt in City Park in more than a decade.
Despite being organized in less than three weeks, the event drew hundreds of children and families, filling the park with laughter, excitement, and springtime cheer.
“This was a ‘top secret’ event,” said Content Editor Camille DeVaul, who helped lead the organizing committee. “Because of the last-minute nature, we kept it on the down low to prevent overwhelming crowds. It was really an experiment to see if we could bring something like this back.”
The experiment proved to be a success. More than 3,000 eggs were "hidden," giving children the chance to participate in a classic Easter egg hunt. Families also enjoyed face painting, festive decorations, and the opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny.
Local businesses played a key role in making the event possible. Prize sponsors included Just Baked, Paso Robles Children’s Museum, Marv’s Pizza, Spare Time Books, and Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, all contributing to a day designed to celebrate community connection.
Volunteers from the Paso Robles High School cheerleading team and members of the California Mid-State Fair Queen Court, including Princesses Amelia Olivo and Morgan Ruiz, assisted with activities and helped guide families throughout the event.
Public safety agencies also joined in the celebration. The Paso Robles Police Department interacted with children waiting in line, handing out stickers and allowing them to explore patrol vehicles. One officer even deployed a drone to capture aerial footage as attendees gathered to cheer “Happy Easter.”
Meanwhile, the Paso Robles Fire Department brought a fire truck to the park, offering children the chance to climb aboard, take photos, and learn more about fire safety in an engaging, hands-on environment.
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong also made an appearance, further highlighting the event’s strong community support.
“Thank you to the Paso Robles Main Street Association and the Paso Robles Press for sponsoring today’s ‘Meet the Easter Bunny’ and ‘Hop To It’ event at Downtown City Park,” Peschong said. “This wonderful turnout is exactly what our community needed.”
The idea for the event originated with Libby Ryan, owner of Just Baked, who envisioned bringing an Easter egg hunt back to the park. DeVaul said she immediately recognized the potential.
“Every year, I’ve wondered why City Park — such a beautiful, perfect space — hasn’t had an egg hunt,” DeVaul said. “When Libby brought the idea, I knew we had to make it happen.”
The concept was presented to publisher Hayley Mattson, who also serves on the Main Street board. With support from Paso Robles Magazine, the team moved quickly to secure sponsorships, coordinate with the city’s Recreation Department, and bring the event to life.
“With less than three weeks, we pulled together an incredible effort alongside Main Street and the City Recreation Department to bring back an event the park hasn’t seen in over a decade,” DeVaul said. “Even on a small scale, it turned into something really special.”
The night before the event, Ryan and her husband, Mark Bruzer, transformed the Holiday House with spring-themed decorations, including faux flowers and festive displays that set the tone for the celebration.
Organizers said the event was inspired by the legacy of Norma Moye, the late executive director of the Main Street Association, who was known for her dedication to creating vibrant, community-centered experiences in downtown Paso Robles.
“This was all done in the spirit of Norma — to bring a little extra magic to downtown,” DeVaul said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”
Main Street leaders echoed that sentiment.
“Hop To It showed the true spirit of Main Street — community, connection, and celebration,” said Board Chair Margaret Hostine. “The event brought the heart of Paso Robles together for a joyful day.”
Interim Executive Director Jeffry Wiesinger described the event as a meaningful milestone for the organization.
“Our Hop To It Easter event was a wonderful success,” Wiesinger said. “Downtown City Park was alive with smiling faces, children’s laughter, and community spirit. It was exactly the kind of family-focused event we hoped to create.”
Wiesinger also expressed appreciation for the many contributors who helped make the event possible, including volunteers, sponsors, city and county officials, and local media partners.
“It was our first event in the Downtown City Park since the passing of our beloved Executive Director Norma Moye, and we think she would have been proud of what we accomplished,” he said.
For many attendees, the event offered more than just seasonal fun — it was a chance to reconnect with neighbors and enjoy a shared experience in one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.
“We’re already looking forward to bringing it back next year, even bigger and better,” DeVaul said.
With strong community support and a renewed enthusiasm for local traditions, the return of the City Park Easter egg hunt appears poised to become a staple of Paso Robles’ spring calendar once again.
