Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell has unlocked the secret to drawing a hefty crowd to its annual kids’ Easter celebration – free candy.

Hordes of families flowed into the social hall and sanctuary along Grant Street Saturday where craft stations, healthy snacks, tattoos and, of course, the Easter Bunny, were waiting.

“I’m looking for the eggs with the jelly beans inside,” said Reed Briscoe, 7, of Allegheny Township. “They’re the best.”

Bill Ludwig, Director of Christian Education, said the celebration had the potential to be the most well-attended since the event began five years ago.

“We’ve almost doubled every year,” he said, noting the first event topped at about 30 kids. Last year, more than 100 attended.

“This is a great way to reach into the community and show them we’re active, we’re alive.”

The free event drew families from Kiski Township to Harrison, and everywhere in between.

Children were given a passport to explore four Easter-themed stations where they could color eggs, do scratch-off Neon art, pick sparkly tattoos and hear a story. Upstairs, inside the sanctuary, they searched for candy-filled eggs hidden in pews and behind prayer books.

Seven-year-old Juliet Rolniak of Lower Burrell set her sights on M&Ms and filled her basket with them.

Ariah Farabaugh, 8, said she “liked everything.”

Her mom, Janet, said they didn’t plan on attending but were driving by and noticed the sign.

“I’m glad we came,” she said. “It’s something really nice for the kids.”

Ceridwen Spiker, whose dad is the church organist, said she brings her four children every year.

“It’s good, safe fun,” she said.

The church has made a name for itself with community outreach, Ludwig said. In addition to the Easter celebration, it hosts a Christmas party and a Vacation Bible School. They also send volunteers to Knead Café in New Kensington twice a month and fill shoe boxes with gifts each winter to be shipped across the globe for Operation Christmas Child.

“We have a new pastor and we’re getting back to pre-pandemic numbers as far as attendance,” said Ludwig, of Allegheny Township.

“We want to help the community wherever it needs it.”

Longtime member Glenn Nordmark, 95, volunteers at every event. On Saturday, he was “the gatekeeper,” checking for filled passports before letting the kids in to see the Easter Bunny.

It’s a job he takes seriously — kind of.

“Occasionally, I let some kids sneak in,” he said. “Especially the little ones.”

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