DEARBORN—Hundreds of children and parents turned out to the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church’s “Eggstravaganza” Easter egg hunt last Saturday afternoon.

The event had generated controversy and national media attention earlier this month when local parent and attorney Majed Moughni had complained about flyers being distributed at local public schools. 

The majority of local residents and community leaders expressed dismay over Moughni’s stance. The weekend before the event, leaders gathered at the church on a Sunday morning and encouraged local parents to bring their children to the event. $500 was donated by the community leaders to cover additional costs for the egg hunt. 

During the afternoon, Church Pastor Neeta Nichols told The Arab American News that she was delighted to see local residents and children of various backgrounds come together for the event. This marked the first time the church had extended an invitation to the entire community. 

“The turnout has been fantastic. We are glad that the community responded and is being a part of the event. We’ve had egg hunts previously, but this year we decided to reach out to our neighbors, inviting preschoolers and beyond that to the event,” Nichols said.

Dozens of Muslim and Arab parents brought their children to the event. With plastic eggs filled with treats scattered across a field located adjacent to the church, over 200 smiling children had an opportunity to participate in the egg hunt. Also present on the warm sunny day was an Easter bunny, posing with children for photos.

Samira Amen, a local parent, came out to the event with her husband and one-year-old son.  She told The Arab American News that she wanted her son to experience the same traditions she experienced growing up in Dearborn. 

“We came out today because my family used to do these activities when we were children over at the civic center. We look at it as more of a tradition to do something like this together. I think the media blew this out of proportion. It was one man’s thought and they turned it into a community issue. I do not see it as being a big problem,” said Amen.

Another local parent, Fatima Nordeen, said she brought her three children to the event because she thought it would be a good opportunity for them to experience a different culture outside of their own.

“My kids are going to public schools and I would like them to learn about other cultures so they can know the religion of their friends and classmates. I don’t like what happened this last week because we are living in America and it’s great when people can learn about cultures they may not be familiar with. I don’t know why a big deal was made out of this. If someone doesn’t want to send their kids to this event then they don’t have to,” Nordeen said. 

But it wasn’t just members of the Presbyterian Church who engaged with local Arab and Muslim Americans during the event. Other local residents, some of whom weren’t familiar with the church prior to the controversy, also turned out for the event.

“I have been a resident in Dearborn for 17 years and my daughter just turned four and we wanted her to experience this community event. Unfortunately, I am aware of what happened but this is for the children. I see no problem with this ‘Eggstravaganza.,” said local resident Keva Garrison.

While the controversy over the event generated misleading national media attention, including news coverage by FOX News, no media was in sight to witness the solidarity between the community during the ‘Eggstravaganza.’

However, the City of Dearborn did acknowledge the event during this week’s city council meeting. A representative from the Presbyterian church was present to speak with the council about waving a fee for a permit to do construction on one of its parking lots.

Council President Pro Tem Thomas Tafelski congratulated the church on the successful event and said he was proud that local residents showed their support. 

“I’m glad that there was supporters that came out. That’s what makes the Dearborn community unique. I also congratulate the individuals that came out and stood with the pastor that day and showed their support for the community,” Tafelski said.