The bunny trail was hopping Saturday at the Akeley Regional Community Center.
A total of 113 children scrambled for Easter eggs with treats inside in the ARCC gymnasium.
Up 21 from last year’s 92 kids, this total included 56 children ages 4 and younger, 35 children ages 5-8 and 22 children ages 9-12, according to City Clerk/Treasurer Kristi Kath.
Eggs were spread out over the gym floor, in sections divided up between age groups. Kath told the crowd there were about 28 eggs per child. After gathering the colorful plastic eggs, children sat down to open them, collect the treats inside and return the eggs to be reused.
Cory Klein of Park Rapids brought his four daughters to the event. “They loved it,” he said. “We had a great time. Next year, I’d like to be a part of helping out.”
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Besides collecting sweets, seven boys and seven girls in each age group won special prizes, including bikes, scooters, gift baskets and gift certificates – 42 prizes total. Also, each child was given a gift bag containing small toys, candy, and a coloring book.
Kristina McGee of Akeley came with her son Oliver, aged almost 2. It was Oliver’s first Easter egg hunt, and she said he had fun.
“It was awesome,” she said after the egg hunt was over. “Look at the turnout. It’s been great.”
Sponsored by community organizations and local businesses, the city’s third Easter egg hunt featured cookies and juice served by Akeley Veterans Community Outreach (AVCO). Children also had an opportunity to visit with the Easter bunny, played by Noah George.
“I’m glad that we can have a community event like this,” said city council member Bobbie Wosika. “It’s awesome, and I’m glad to see all the kids and the parents. It’s a lot of fun.”
Wosika was among the volunteers who prepared for the event by stuffing treats into the eggs.
Asked what she thinks of watching little ones frolic swarm a gym full of eggs, Sherry Grantham with AVCO said, “I love it. I absolutely love it. It’s the best thing ever.”
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