Easter Eggs, the Bunny and Kids

Crowds Getting Set for the Hunt

The morning chill this past Saturday, April 7, didn’t hinder several hundred younsters and their parents from attending the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Willow Creek Park, sponsored by the Lamar Recreation Department.

Displaying all the Eggs and Prizes

As the youngsters were gathering into separate age groups in the municipal pool parking lot, off in the distance, from the southern end of the west side of the park, the Easter Bunny was making his approach to the children for a brief greeting with the younger set of kids. Some reached out to rub his snow-white fur, and others just gave a silent wave, “hello” as they clutched their baskets, ready for the hunt go begin.

Up Close and Personal with the Easter Bunny

Leisure Services Director Rick Akers and Matt Neuhold, program manager, explained the course would be laid out along the north/south length of the park, with the older kids heading southwards for their egg gathering, while the younger kids will remain in the area closer to the pool parking lot. Akers said they’ve tried various means of not having the young and older kids compete for the eggs at the same time.  Having them all collect the eggs at once, but from different locations, seemed to be the best plan. After a ready-set, “Go”, the hunt was on for the multi-colored plastic eggs, filled with candy, certificates and in each age group, a special Golden Egg that contained a redeemable prize.

by Russ Baldwin