By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Helicopters from the Hoover-based Express Helicopters company will hover over Thompson High School’s Larry Simmons Stadium on Saturday, March 30 as they drop thousands of Easter eggs onto the field.

This year will mark the second-annual Alabaster helicopter egg drop, which is sponsored by Cultivate Church.

Last year’s event drew more than 6,000 people – thousands more than event organizers had anticipated – as a helicopter dropped about 20,000 eggs onto the field for children to pick up.

Because of the “large response” at the inaugural event, Cultivate Church will hold two egg drops this year, said Lead Team Pastor Brandon Matthews.

The first egg drop, which will begin at 10 a.m., will be for children ages birth to 6 years, and the second drop will be held shortly thereafter for children ages 7-12.

In addition to the pair of egg drops, the event will also offer free food, inflatable games, prizes and a visit from the Easter bunny.

Cultivate Church will hold its Easter service on Sunday, March 31 at Thompson High School.

For more information about the Easter egg drop and the Cultivate Church Easter service, visit Cultivatechurch.tv.