The third annual Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop held at Sprayberry High School drew thousands of residents both young and old for a day of socializing and good old-fashioned fun.

Along with inflatable play areas, food, games and a football field covered with 35,000 candy filled Easter eggs ready for the taking, the crowd was also wowed by a helicopter dropping another 6,000 eggs onto the field.

This annual event came about through the combined efforts of Piedmont Church, the Cobb County School System and the Northeast Cobb Business Association, in an endeavor to grow a deeper sense of community among residents.

“Northeast Cobb really didn’t have much of an identity,” said Steve Crowley, community pastor of Piedmont Church. “We’re not really a part of Marietta, Kennesaw or any of the other surrounding areas. We wanted to create an event that is uniquely Northeast Cobb, and the community egg drop has done just that. Every year more people attend.”

The money raised by this event is donated to the Sprayberry “Shop with a Yellow Jacket” Christmas fund, as well as Kell High School “Shop with a Longhorn” fund, which helps provide toys and other items to those less fortunate in the area.

Crowley said, “As long as we can cover the costs of the event and add money to the shop programs we consider it a success. Our main goal is to bring local businesses, schools and community members together in a fun environment.”

According to Crowley, the 2011 Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop was attended by approximately 14,000 residents and raised upwards of $4,000 for the high school Christmas shopping funds.

“It looks like we will at least equal or surpass those numbers this year,” he said.