Kids roar through city park for Easter eggs Sunday

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
This toddler was dressed in her Sunday best for the hunt.

A staple for Mountain Home since 1964, the annual Easter Egg hunt sponsored by Sabre Lodge #7 brought a wide array of children of all ages out to Carl Miller Park on Easter Sunday, all with eager anticipation, to collect the eggs scattered all over the park.

At 1 p.m. the Lodge members released the 300 children, who had lined up like a military battalion at the starting line, and then charged out into the park in search of the eggs. The children scoured every inch of the park and in less than two minutes collected the 1,680 eggs spread out by the lodge.

The children collected colored eggs and plastic eggs that contained gift certificates from Smokey Mountain Pizza or a special slip that awarded the child with a Sacagawea gold coin.

The main event for older children was held in the park, while a special event for toddlers was held on the East Elementary playground.

When the event was over, the lodge members gave eggs to those who were unable to collect their own eggs.

Despite the cold weather conditions, lodge members felt that the event went off without a hitch.

"I think we had a great turnout, the weather was good, and I expect this to be bigger next year," said Tyrone Clarence, worshipful master.

"I think the turnout went really well, considering it was a cold day. We got as many people as we usually get," said lodge member Levi Belton.

"The turnout was a lot bigger than we thought because of the weather. I think the kids all had a great time," said Doug Hoston PM (Past Master).

The cold weather had no affect on the positive outlook the children had for the event.

"I think it was good, the hunt was really fun," said seven-year-old Rodney Wright.

"It was fun, I hope there are more eggs next year," said nine-year-old Chris Wright.

"I liked it a lot, picking up the eggs was my favorite part," said five-year-old Brooklyn Bennett.

The businesses that helped donate for the event were Maverick, Paul's, Albertsons and Wal-Mart.

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