Families in Gustine are getting ready for one of the community’s sweetest spring traditions as the Gustine Lions Club and Miss Gustine Court prepare for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 at the Schmidt Park baseball fields. The event is expected to draw a large crowd for a morning filled with eggs, prizes, food, vendors and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

The Easter Egg Hunt is one of Gustine’s longest-running community events, typically drawing more than 1,000 attendees each year. Vendor activities are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and the egg hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

Gustine recreation director Tiffany Vitorino said the event has been a treasured part of the community for decades. While the exact year the tradition began has not yet been confirmed, she said many local residents remember attending as children — a sign of just how long the celebration has brought families together. Vitorino, 54, said she remembers it from her own childhood and hopes local newspaper archives may eventually help uncover the full history of the event.

This year’s celebration will once again offer plenty for families to enjoy beyond the egg hunt itself. Children can look forward to visits with the Easter Bunny, jump houses and special prize eggs hidden among the many scattered across the field. Families will also be able to browse a variety of vendors and enjoy food ranging from barbecue to Mexican cuisine, helping make the event feel like a full community gathering rather than a quick holiday stop.

Vitorino said the turnout each year shows how meaningful the tradition remains for Gustine families. From parents who once hunted eggs there themselves to children now rushing across the grass with baskets in hand, the event continues to connect generations through simple, joyful memories.

Local families say that is exactly what makes the Easter celebration so special. Maria Hernandez said her children begin looking forward to the event well before Easter weekend arrives.

“They get so excited about finding the eggs and seeing the Easter Bunny,” Hernandez said. “It’s one of those events that really brings families together, and as a parent, I love getting to watch them make those memories.”

Daniel Rocha said the event has become a favorite tradition in his household because it offers more than just fun for the children.

“It feels like one of those classic small-town events that reminds you why community matters,” Rocha said. “You see friends, neighbors, families and kids all enjoying the morning together. It’s something we always leave smiling from.”

Alyssa Mendez said her family always enjoys the festive atmosphere.

“My kids love the whole experience, from the egg hunt to the prizes and the excitement of seeing what’s happening around the park,” Mendez said. “It’s sweet, happy and simple in the best way, and those are the moments families remember.”

Vitorino said that behind the fun is a great deal of dedication from volunteers and community partners who help bring the event to life each year. Even when weather has created challenges in the past, she said Lions Club members have remained committed to making sure families could still enjoy the tradition. She also recognized the recreation department and police department volunteers for their continued support and encouraged anyone interested in helping with setup or cleanup to sign up through the City of Gustine’s volunteer program.

As families prepare to head out with baskets in hand, Vitorino said she hopes the community will come ready to enjoy the day and support local vendors as well.

“Bring your Easter baskets, bring your smiles, and come ready to enjoy a wonderful day with your community,” she said. “We also encourage everyone to support our local vendors. Your support helps ensure they’ll be back again next year.”

With decades of memories already tied to the event, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt is expected to once again fill Schmidt Park with laughter, excitement and the kind of springtime joy that keeps a small-town tradition alive.