News Archive | The Press-Enterprise, April 18, 2003 Seniors put Easter bonnets on parade Contestants decorate hats and show them off at the center By Karie Allen/The Press-Enterprise MORENO VALLEY – Jackie Murphy paraded around the room with an Easter basket filled with goodies strapped to her head. "It's my Easter hat, with little Easter creatures," said Murphy. To celebrate spring, Easter and to just have a good time, the Moreno Valley Senior Center held its annual Spring Bonnet Parade Thursday . Ladies came dressed in their Sunday best and proudly displayed their homemade bonnets. "The seniors are outrageous," said senior recreation leader Josie Lafata, "We do this just for the fun of it." Some of the hats were adorned with silk flowers, others with pastel colored plastic eggs and fluffy baby chicks. "They really get into it," said Jeri Eckles, senior program director. "They put a lot of effort into making a real original hat." Elena Diaz, activity director at Integrated Care Communities in Moreno Valley, said residents made their hats out newspaper and decorated them with colored tissue. "It's been so funny, it's cute," said Diaz of the parade. "They made beautiful Easter hats." Those who participated paraded around the room, stopping a moment at the judges table to show off their unique bonnets. Judges awarded prizes for the prettiest, most original and most unusual. "It was fabulous," said Murphy. "Everybody was enjoying themselves." Leona Joy, wearing a bright orange hat, said she enjoyed the parade and added that it's nice to be out and about -- for any reason. "I liked it, I really did," said Joy. "I like to get out and do things, I even like to walk. Entertainment for the morning was provided by pianist Helen McKenzie and the Senior Song Birds, singing various Easter songs. "We sang and played music while they paraded," said McKenzie, minus a bonnet. "I didn't have a nice hat to wear, maybe next year," said McKenzie. Return to News Archive Main Menu