Easter celebrations in Federal Way

Residents enjoyed socially-distanced scavenger hunts, sweet treats galore, and Easter Bunny visits.

Easter weekend was filled with fun hop-penings throughout Federal Way.

On April 3, Light of Christ Community Garden hosted a self-guided scavenger hunt down the Bunny Trail. Attendees searched for clues and learned Easter trivia while exploring the trail and garden, taking tractor rides and enjoying sweet treats. The event was sponsored by Curves, Do the Right Thing nonprofit, SubZero Ice Cream, Chick-fil-A, Vilma Signs and We Love Our City nonprofit.

Christ’s Church Federal Way along Dash Point Road also hosted an Easter Eggstravaganza “I Spy” Adventure on April 3.

The free and socially-distanced outdoor walk-thru event took families through interactive scenes of the life of Jesus, including live sheep, costumed characters and a working marketplace. Children collected clues, eggs and candy throughout the walk, filling their bags with goodies as they learned about the story of Easter.

Over the weekend, Federal Way resident Maggie Cante Tinza and her 14-year-old daughter, Marianna, spread Easter cheer to nearly 80 local families, day cares and senior living facilities — complete with a bunny costume and plenty of treats to share.

Last year was the first time the mother-daughter duo donned festive costumes to visit families on Easter. This year, the appearances have become more personalized and catered experiences, Tinza said.

“It’s a different feeling this year than it was last year,” she said, adding that they saw more family gatherings this year and the overall mood was happier rather than hesitant.

Starting visits in March, the Easter tradition had much more volume compared to the previous year, including additional community events and house visits as word got out about their bunny routes. On Easter Sunday, April 4, the duo spent about 12 hours bringing Bun Bun the Easter Bunny to the doorsteps of local residents in Federal Way and neighboring cities.

Tinza and her daughter handed out candy, danced, and posed for photos with the families they visited, but also went a step beyond this year by hiding eggs for egg hunts, purchasing specific treats or bringing Easter baskets if families requested.

The donation-based community service has evolved into a form of party planning, Tinza said.

“It’s all about memories to me, not the money,” Tinza said. “And I love to help. That’s my calling.”

With several bunny visits scheduled past the holiday, Tinza said she and her daughter are looking forward to dressing up and bringing joy to people’s doorsteps for other upcoming holidays throughout the year.

Photo courtesy of Shelley Pauls
Tractor rides at Light of Christ Community Garden on April 3.

Photo courtesy of Shelley Pauls Tractor rides at Light of Christ Community Garden on April 3.

Christ’s Church Federal Way. Photo courtesy of Kristy Henry

Christ’s Church Federal Way. Photo courtesy of Kristy Henry