Lucas Zhang, 4, decorates eggs at New Hope Baptist Church. Zhang and his family were among community members attended the event. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

PARKERSBURG — Churches and other children’s groups across the Mid-Ohio Valley are gearing up for Easter with community events.

On Saturday, a multitude of Easter egg hunts could be seen around town. Many were hosted by churches, but the Parkersburg YMCA and the Grand Central Mall also joined in the fun.

Events carried over to Sunday, where many who had not yet hosted egg hunts could be seen hosting egg decorating events.

“I am so glad to see people coming together to enjoy being a community again,” said Judy Parrish, a volunteer for children’s education with New Hope Baptist Church, which hosted an egg coloring event.

Parrish said she enjoys seeing children of the community get together to take part in any event that helps children express themselves artistically.

Cameron Smith, 5, watches as his egg turns darker shades of green Sunday at the New Hope Baptist Church egg coloring event. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

“Today the kids were practicing many skills, such as sharing and taking turns, but just as important as those lessons, they were able to be creative and take pride in their freedom to do so,” said Parrish.

Parrish said she loved helping the kids and seeing their different designs.

“Some kids blended colors, some used markers or glitter; it brought me joy to see them enjoy the activity this afternoon,” said Parrish.

One of the children, Natilie Salizzoni, 9, said she really loved her purple and blue egg that was decorated with glitter.

Another child at the egg coloring event, Aubree Wood, 7, said her favorites were the ones decorated with bunny stickers.

Aubree Wood, 7, decorated her eggs with a marker with bunny stickers. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

“Not all of the kids here today come to our church,” said Dianna Adams, the Children’s Program Director, “We post many of our events for the public to see and are always glad to see those new or reoccurring faces.”

Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com.

Members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Mineral Wells did a drive through “Easter egg surprise” where children could receive a bag of eggs and a prize on Saturday. (Photo Provided)

Members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Mineral Wells did a drive through “Easter egg surprise” where children could receive a bag of eggs and a prize on Saturday. (Photo Provided)

Children from New Hope Baptist Church and those visiting from the community enjoy coloring eggs and decorating them together Sunday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Children from New Hope Baptist Church and those visiting from the community enjoy coloring eggs and decorating them together Sunday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Cylus Estep, 6, left, and his brother Corbin Estep, 4, show off their eggs after they completing them. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)