Children scooped up more than 10,000 Easter eggs in less than five minutes during Saturdays annual Easter Egg Hunt in Dawson County.

This event is so positive for the community, Don Allen, pastor at The Church at War Hill, said. I see families being built here. I see kids meeting their friends from school and enjoying themselves. Were so thankful God has given us an opportunity to serve this community.

The Church at War Hill partnered three years ago with K.A.R.E. for Kids to help host the 22-year-old event.

The threat of rain meant a smaller crowd than expected at Veterans Memorial Park. But that did not damper the enthusiasm, a word rooted in a Greek term meaning divine inspiration.

We love this event, and my kids look forward to it all year, Dawson County resident Jessica Bowling said. It brings my children such joy.

Several Dawson County nonprofits band together to make the event happen.

We couldnt do it without the help of the church and Dawson County Parks and Rec, K.A.R.E. for Kids President Calvin Byrd said. When you see a smile on a kids face, it makes you reevaluate whats important. It makes you think about how great life is and how blessed we are to live where we do.

Byrd participated in the egg hunt as a child -- from when he was 5 until he was 13.

Easter is one of my favorites holidays, he said. It is just a reminder that Jesus Christ was crucified and rose to forgive the world of our sins. Our desire is to show the love of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Allen said families need to have a good time together.

Watching their Easter basket break from the heavy load of all those eggs is just great, he said.

He also acknowledged support from the community.

We ran the event, Pastor Allen said, But we had many donations.

Dahlonega Gymnastics donated face-painting; former DCHS FFA Instructor Reggie Stowers cooked hot dogs as a fundraiser for the school; Tribes of Juda provided entertainment. The Church at War Hill provided 75 volunteers, a bouncy house and a train for rides around the track.

One of our goals is to love God by loving others, Allen said. K.A.R.E. for Kids is so gracious to let us serve this community.