By SAMANTHA HURST / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Alabaster Church of God plans to shower the field next to its building with 6,000 vibrantly colored Easter eggs from a hovering helicopter March 26.
Senior Pastor Bishop Ken Stroup said the event offers a unique display for children in the community.
“We’ve thrown them out of a helicopter, we’ve thrown them out of a hot air balloon and from a fire truck,” said Stroup. “The helicopter seems to make the biggest impact.”
As families arrive to the church around noon, they can enjoy inflatables and games along with free popcorn and free snow cones. Right before 1 p.m., the helicopter will prep for the first egg drop as it hovers 50 feet in front of the first group of kids ready to snatch up the candy-filled eggs.
There will be three separate egg drops. This will allow younger kids to grab plenty of eggs without trying to keep up with their older siblings and neighbors, Stroup said.
Church members ask that kids register for the hunt when they arrive. Registration provides the kids with colored arm bands to organize them in defined age groups.
Stroup said 2,000 eggs will drop from the helicopter for each of the three groups. Kids will also be entered to win additional door prizes throughout the afternoon.
“We want the community to know this church cares about them,” Stroup said. “I’ll go around during the afternoon and talk to people but I’m not trying to pull them into the church. I want them to simply know that we want to do something for you and your kids to do together and enjoy Easter.”
Stroup said this is one of two major events the church hosts each year. Alabaster Church of God also puts on a family-focused festival in the fall. About 1,000 people show up for both of these events each year, Stroup said.
Alabaster Church of God is located at 530 1st Ave. W. Alabaster, Al 35007. For more information, visit alabasterchurchofgod.org.