Island Hops into Spring with Jubilee

Families converged on Mackle Park for the 2023 Spring Jubilee Celebration, the traditional kick-off for Spring that features the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The events were as much fun for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends as they were for the children.

Thousands of colorful Easter Eggs, zip lines, hula-hoops, face painting and assorted games, as well as pictures with the Easter Bunny, were on hand. Marco’s finest police officers and bravest firefighters were also on hand, making for a great morning of fun for all to enjoy.

“This really takes our staff members quite a bit of planning and hard work by volunteers to make this the great success it turns into,” said Samantha Malloy, the city’s Parks and Recreation Director.  “It really is a wonderful collective effort by all involved.”

“This is just a wonderful community event,” said Pete Fuller, who was visiting his in-laws with his wife and daughter. “We’ve looked forward to it each year, as has our daughter. Your island is so special, and we do appreciate it,” said Fuller, who would head off with his daughter as she pulled him towards the face painting booth.

In the meantime, children and their parents were lined up inside the Mackle Community Center as they anxiously awaited their turn to take photos with the Easter Bunny.

In addition to all the games and fun, the local Optimist Club, which organizes many of the team sports on Marco, was on hand to cook up a storm and offer cold beverages for those attending the event. The Optimist Club for years has been a major contributor to providing organized sporting events for children across the island.