GUSTINE — The mid‑morning quiet at the local baseball diamond was broken Saturday by the familiar wail of police sirens, signaling the start of the Gustine Lions Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.
As the Easter Bunny took his place at center field, hundreds of children sprinted across the grass in search of candy‑filled eggs, kicking off a day rooted in community spirit, local commerce and sugar‑fueled excitement. Once the fields were cleared of every hidden treasure, families made their way to vendor row to sample local food, browse handmade goods and cool off with Kona Ice.
Among the returning vendors was Saputo, the dairy company known for supplying creamers and ice cream bases to major chains including Costco, McDonald’s and Sonic. Local representatives Lynette Coons and Dannelle Nacci have become fixtures at the event, returning each year with the same motivation.
“We do it for the kids,” they said, adding that the company’s supportive culture allows them to stay focused on the Gustine community. “The people of Gustine keep us coming back.”
Farther down the line, Fancy Nancy’s Boutique owner Nancy Poche displayed a curated selection of Kate Spade and Michael Kors handbags from her personal collection. A longtime participant, Poche said her presence is as much about community as it is about business.
“This is a great community; we all stick together,” she said.
For younger attendees, the day delivered everything they hoped for. Rilynn Reynoso said the Easter Bunny was “cute,” but her favorite parts were the candy and the knitting booth. Her brother, Carter, was more focused on the haul.
“My favorite part was getting candy and eggs,” he said, though he was especially impressed by the 3D printing station.
The buzz around the 3D‑printed toys led many families to Jenuinely Petitt, a small business run by teenager Luke Petitt with support from his parents. Now in his third year at the event, Petitt uses a 3D printer to create detailed, hand‑finished figures.
“We live close by and the businesses are fun,” Petitt said. “I get finished here and I go buy stuff myself!”
Petitt and partner Skylar Perry sold 3D‑printed snakes, turtles and dragons, with their most popular item being a “clicker” fidget toy designed just days before the event. Perry said her personal favorite was a model of Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors.
For those who missed the hunt, the duo’s creations — including custom designs — are available at the new downtown bookstore or through their Instagram account, @jenuinely_petitt.
As the last Kona Ice melted and vendors packed up, one sentiment echoed across the field: in Gustine, traditions like the Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt remain the glue that holds the community together.
