Easter eggs hatch in local communities

By: J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to The Steel Country Bee

The Easter weekend is always full of surprises. Many times, the weather can be just as big a surprise as what the children find in their eggs. Luckily, local communities had no issues with the weather, leaving all the egg-citement for the children hunting.

In Avinger on Saturday, March 26, colorful Easter eggs could be seen in abundance as over 30 children ran gleefully through Avinger Community Park, hunting for Easter eggs. With a little help from the Avinger Chamber of Commerce, the Easter Bunny did a fine job in Avinger this year. Filled with candy and prizes, hundreds of eggs were strewn about – some easy to see, some carefully hidden in playground equipment, trees and tall grass. Children in second grade and younger searched in one side of the park, while older children explored the other. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, moms, dads and grandparents all cheered the little ones on as they searched high and low for the colorful treasures. Prizes were awarded for the most eggs found, and some eggs contained a token redeemable for a special gift. Following refreshments of punch and cookies, everyone headed home to enjoy their treats.

The Easter Bunny also made an appearance at the Daingerfield State Park on March 26, where eggs were divided into four groups, including physically challenged, 0-3, 4-7, and 8-12 year olds. Large crowds flocked to the field across from the camp store and pavilion, anxiously awaiting the signal to begin. Children ran down the egg-strewn hill in search of colorful treasures filled with candy and prizes. Some eggs were even filled with a prize ticket, entitling the finder to a special age- and gender-appropriate larger prize. Parents, grandparents, and friends helped the youngest group, as the older children were left to fend for themselves in obtaining eggs. Following the thrill of the hunt, families gathered to search for prize tickets and un-egg their treasures. Families also had the opportunity to take photos with the Easter bunny, as well as enjoy the other activities the park has to offer, such as boat rentals, and enjoying the nice weather.