By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The west field of the Mesquite Recreation Center was a fun place to be on Saturday afternoon, Mar. 23. The Salvation Army of Mesquite in coordination with Mesa Valley Estates held egg-themed field races for all age youngsters as well as many young-at-heart Mesa Valley Estates residents.
“This is a fun outing for the kids to get exercise and for our residents to enjoy,” said Liz Beliaj, Director of Enrichment at Mesa Valley Estates. “The residents are handing out the ribbons and medals, candy and toys. Everyone will leave with something.”
This was the first of what will be an annual event, and no one knew how many participants to expect. The turnout exceeded all expectations.
Interim Director of the Salvation Army Star Flores and her group of volunteers were kept busy monitoring age-grouped sack races and three-legged races. The little ones up to 3 years old enjoyed an old-fashion egg hunt.
Residents and staff from Mesa View Estates were there to hand out the ribbons, medals and toys.
“All the toys were donated by generous individuals that responded to flyers and social media,” Flores said. “It made a fun outdoors day, where everyone is involved, both young and age-elevated; giving the kids fond memories of their childhood to look back on.”
Mesa Valley Estates resident Darlene Heider was therehanding out awards to the kids. “This was fun to see the young people,” she said. “I will come again next year.”
Her friend Ruth Burr added, “I forgot how noisy kids can be!”
The Mesquite Dept. of Athletics and Leisure Services donated the use of the field for the event.
