By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
Families of children up through fourth grade are invited to gather at Arrowhead Recreational Area this morning for the annual Easter egg hunt, which Parks and Recreation Director Justin Martin said is a tradition that goes back well beyond his 12 years working for the city.
There are six waves that go off in the event, with first grade and younger starting at 9:30 a.m. Then at 10:30 a.m. the children in second grade and above will set out on the hunt. To sweeten the pot, this year there will be a special gold egg for children in fourth grade and above to look for, which will land them a grand prize mountain bike to bring home.
“This year we have partnered with the Claremont Kiwanis Club, who sponsored the purchase of a mountain bike from the Wheelhouse,” Martin said. “This will be the top prize for the large golden egg that will be hidden on the fourth grade plus. It’s to gain some interest for some of the older kids.”
The Claremont Parks and Recreation Department is excited to host what they describe as “one of our favorite spring traditions,” where thousands of colorful eggs, filled with candy and toys, will be scattered across the field.
The Wheelhouse is currently working out of the Arrowhead Recreational Area lodge, and they will be volunteering at the event. Arrowhead Recreational Area will be assisting with sound, and there is also a large volunteer group from Riverbank Church who will be helping with egg distribution, setting up and handing out prizes.
“A widespread group of individuals have come together to make this event possible,” Martin said. “We are extremely excited, knocking on wood, and praying for good weather.”
Martin noted that this is a rain or shine event, and living being New England, the weather can shift at any time so he recommends bringing boots because it could be a little muddy.
Children are asked to bring a basket or bag for collecting eggs, and also to arrive a few minutes early to allow for parking and walking to the hunt areas.
The Easter Bunny will also be at the event for pictures, and Martin asks that people bring their own camera. This will be done in front of the lodge at Arrowhead.
The Easter egg hunt is free for everyone and for more information log onto claremontparks.com.
Also on Saturday in Springfield, Vermont, there will be an Easter egg hunt at Commons Park at 10 a.m. hosted by Springfield On The Move. The Easter Bunny will also be on-hand for the event.
On Easter Sunday, in the neighboring community of Charlestown, Life On Main Foursquare Church is hosting their fourth annual Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m. at the Charleston Senior Center. This is a free event for children aged three through 12.
