If there’s one thing that’s associated with Easter it’s the egg, particularly the chocolate kind. And nothing conjures up the childhood experience like an Easter egg hunt. For seven years now, the Optimist Club of St. Jacobs has been making the holiday more memorable with its annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year, the seventh outing, the event is set for Apr. 7 at Riverside Meadows Park on Water Street in St. Jacobs. “This is a fun event for young children that the organization holds every year,” said Bob Wilbur, a member of the club’s board of directors.
Members of the Optimist Club will hide hundreds of eggs throughout the park waiting for the children to find them. “We plan to have the kids go in groups according to age, starting with the younger ones. It works out better that way and gives the really young kids a chance to find some eggs without competing with bigger, older kids,” said Wilbur. “Some will be sitting on the grass, other behind trees; it will be very easy for the kids to find them.”
Most of the eggs hidden in the park will be plastic with a small toy or candy hidden inside but there will be a few classic chocolate eggs among the plastic ones, assured Wilbur.
Families with children from one to 11 years of age can enjoy balloons, prizes, the egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
The egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp and usually lasts an hour. The children are kept back from the eggs until they are motioned to start the hunt – the ensuing scramble lasts only minutes.
“It doesn’t take long for kids to find all the eggs when they know candy is involved. We have had a great turnout over the last few years and I expect this year will be no different.”
There is no charge for the children to participate in the hunt.
“It is just a fun day and gathering for kids to enjoy,” he explained.
