18,000 eggs gone in minutes at Mooseheart

When you've got 18,000 eggs to fill with goodies, you have to plan ahead, so preparation began weeks ago for Mooseheart's seventh annual Easter egg hunt.

The artificial turf football field is divided into four equal-sized sections for ages 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8-year-olds. The scoreboard clock is running and despite the best efforts of organizers and parents, the 3-4-year-olds jumped the gun and scrambled onto the field a few seconds early.

"It's a great event," said Kristen Thorson, of Geneva as her daughters Malia and Kendall enjoyed their candy after the egg hunt. "They are so organized."

Children and families typically collect those 18,000 eggs and other goodies in less than five minutes. Pony rides and a petting zoo were also available for families who headed to the Mooseheart field house for free photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting and other activities after the egg hunt.

"It's always so amazing that we do all this work for weeks and many hours before gates open on the day of the Easter egg hunt," Mooseheart Executive Director Gary Urwiler said. "Then it's '3, 2, 1, boom!' - and before you know it, it's over with. But then you sit back and smile. We do all this so families and their children can have an enjoyable family experience."