Newcomers and legacy families enjoy egg hunts on Longboat

Aspen Fontenot had the good fortune to find not one, but two of the golden eggs hidden in the hay at the Longboat Key Club Resort's annual Easter egg hunt. Rather than hang onto both, she decided to share one with fellow searcher Callie Schroeyens.

The event excited Father Kyle Schroeyens, as a parent, saw the moment of sharing happen organically.

"More powerful than the egg is the lesson within the egg," he said. "That kind of lesson will last a lifetime. Honestly, it fills my heart."

The Fontenot family has come out to celebrate Easter for the past several years, but this is the first time they have participated in the activities at the club.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Hundreds packed the Links putting green to decorate cookies, snack on breakfast, hobnob with the Easter Bunny, and, most importantly, uncover some colorful hidden eggs.

Attendees included a healthy mix of families partaking in the Longboat festivities for the first time and club members who have come for generations.

Those were not the only Easter festivities taking place on the Key this weekend.

Sand Cay

With a "Ready, Set, Go!" eager treat hunters raced out onto the lawn at Sand Cay Condominiums Beach Resort on Friday, continuing a tradition that has been around for more than a decade.

General Manager Lyn Sorensen, who said this will be her last year organizing the egg hunt, was happy to see the event grow and grow over the past 10 years.

Kevin Doyle said even though his kids woke up the whole family at 6 a.m. in anticipation of the fun to come that day, he said it was well worth it to see everyone enjoying themselves.

The children raced out from behind the pool gate and onto the lawn, where they speedily searched away, leaving no leaf on a shrub unturned. The fortunate few to find their golden eggs had first pick of the prize baskets awaiting all the participants.

As one of the people who made the beloved egg hunt possible through his post-storm cleanup efforts, Jake Drost said he was especially proud to bring his 9-year-old daughter, Josie, out to enjoy the day.

She was one of those lucky winners to find a golden egg, and she happily touted her new mermaid-themed basket.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Over the years, the celebration has blossomed into a full-day extravaganza, where visiting family members can partake in water slides, brunch and plenty of other Easter activities.

Friday's festivities held another special meaning for the Sand Cay community. Those who knew Shirley Manning, owner of about 40 years, joined in the dedication that morning of a special bench placed on the lawn to honor her memory.

Sorensen said it was fitting to hold the dedication on Easter Day, considering this celebration is Sand Cay's largest of the year, and Manning always played an important role in making sure it went off flawlessly. She said Manning was always deeply involved in building a strong sense of community for residents, and they are happy to have a permanent tribute to her work.

Heather Diggins, who takes over for Sorensen, said Manning was always genuine in her passion for taking care of Sand Cay.

Sorensen added, "She was caring, and not in a false way. She was very genuine."