By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
On what felt like the long-awaited arrival of spring, the Tulalip Reservation came alive with sunshine, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of community connection as Together We’re Better hosted their 6th annual Easter Run.
With temperatures reaching the mid-60s, clear blue skies overhead, and not a hint of rain in sight, the day offered a perfect backdrop for a cherished grassroots tradition. Traveling neighborhood by neighborhood, volunteers loaded with colorful eggs and sweet treats made their rounds, bringing Easter magic directly to families gathered outside their homes.
At the center of it all was the Easter Bunny, brought to life this year by Anthony Hart, who waved, danced, and posed for photos with children and families at every stop. His presence sparked excitement among the youngest community members, many of whom eagerly waited with baskets in hand, eyes wide with anticipation.
“Bringing joy directly to the people is what it’s all about,” explained Natosha Gobin, one of Together We’re Better’s event coordinators. “Whether parents have schedule conflicts or concerns over children getting overstimulated, not everyone can make it out of their house nor get to the community events. We want to make sure every child gets an opportunity to experience the excitement.”
In a heartfelt expansion of the event’s reach, this year’s Easter Run included a dedicated stop at the Tulalip Elder’s Village. The visit ensured that the spirit of the season extended beyond the community’s youth to embrace the oldest and wisest among us.
As the Bunny and volunteers made their way through the Elder Village, they were met with warm smiles, waves, and moments of shared laughter. Elder exclamations ranged from “Oh my god, it’s the Easter Bunny!” to “Hold on, I’m still in my pajamas!”
Each time an enthusiastic elder stepped outside to greet their visitors, they were engulfed in sunshine and the unexpected surprise of Easter cheer brought right to their doorsteps.
“It’s grown into something bigger every year,” reflected Sara Hart, an event organizer for Together We’re Better. “It started as a way to do something special for the kids, but it’s become about connection. It’s about showing up for one another, across all ages.
“I feel like we don’t check on our elders enough, especially during the holidays,” she continued. “Some of our elders don’t have any family to spend this time with. That makes it even more important to let them know that they are cared for, they are loved, and the community hasn’t forgotten them.”
That sense of togetherness was felt in every corner of the reservation. From toddlers clutching their first Easter eggs to grandparents watching proudly from porches, the Easter Run created a shared experience rooted in community care.
Like each previous Easter Run iteration, volunteers played a crucial role in making the event possible by coordinating routes and assembling treat bags. Their efforts, combined with the natural beauty of a perfect spring day, helped create lasting memories for grateful families.
With each passing spring, Together We’re Better’s annual Easter Run reaffirms a simple truth: sometimes the smallest gestures, like an egg, wave or shared smile, can bring a community closer together.