8,000 Easter Eggstravaganza!
On Saturday, April 19, hundreds of children of all ages gathered in Prairie Lakes Park to scramble for the 8,000 candy and toy filled eggs at the annual Des Plaines Park District Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt began promptly at 10:00am for the two and three year olds, and was followed every fifteen minutes for four additional age divisions, including a special hunt for teens and adults. "It is a lightning fast event," said Cindy Yelich, Special Events Supervisor. "About eight kids jumped the gun and started collecting the eggs before we even reached one on our countdown," Yelich said. "Excitement was definitely in the air!"
This year, in addition to the traditional toys and treats, 500 of the eggs included a fact about the history of Des Plaines and a coupon for two-for-one at the miniature golf course in Mountain View Adventure Center. Six children in the District 62 Central School CHIPs (Children with Higher Learning Potential) Program, researched the history of Des Plaines as part of a Problem Based Learning study unit during the past several months. The students collected about one hundred facts, seventy of which were selected to be printed, folded, stuffed into the Easter eggs, and distributed at the event. "We were thrilled to partner with the students on this project," said Yelich, "and we hope everyone learns something new about the history of their home town."
"The annual Easter Egg Hunt has become a favorite of Des Plaines residents and their children," said Jennifer Boys, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation. "Everyone, young and old and in-between enjoy watching the children collect the eggs. It is a wonderful family day and quite amusing, too, to see all the grown-ups running after the eggs."
The weather cooperated nicely for the outdoor event, which included a visit from the Easter Bunny who posed for photos after the children filled their baskets with eggs.
For more information about spring events, programs, and classes at the Des Plaines Park District, visit www.DPParks.org.