Weather causes pairing of two spring fun hunts

Eager children and their families trudging through ice and mud is not what the Dundee Township Park District had in mind for its annual Flashlight and Family Egg Hunts.

So, due to recent weather -- and the conditions in which it has left Randall Oaks Park -- organizers have decided to combine the two into one event, to be held Saturday in the Liberty Elementary School gym.

"We thought that with the significant amount of snowfall that we've had, and even if it melted, it would be a mess out at Randall Oaks Park," said Jennifer Peterson special events recreation supervisor.

"This way we can still give people the opportunity to come and get their eggs, have chances for prizes and the Golden Egg, and visit the Bunny and not have to worry about running around in high standing water or ice or snow."

To clarify, there will be no Flashlight Egg Hunt for 8- to 12-year-olds this Friday at Liberty Elementary. Those who already signed up can apply their fee to, and attend, Saturday's hunt, or get a full refund.

And the hunt scheduled for Saturday at Randall Oaks at 10 a.m. has been relocated to Liberty Elementary, and will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.

All children ages 2 to 12 years old are invited to come and play games where their participation will get them an egg filled with small toys, candy, and some with special prizes. All who attend can fill out a ticket for a chance to win one of two Golden Eggs, both of which contain a summer pool pass for a family of four.

Also attending are Mr. and Mrs. Bunny and Lollipop the Clown, who will be making balloon sculptures and animals. Kath Ellinghausen and her staff from the Randall Oaks zoo will be there with a mini-exhibit featuring a bunny, snakes, Raphael the Rooster, and hermit crabs.

Today is the last day for early registration prices. Residents are $4, nonresidents are $6. After today residents are $8, nonresidents are $10. The park district has already received 120 registrations, so call them at (847) 428-7131 to reserve your spot. You can also register on site at the hunt.

On your mark, get set, go: Today in the gym at St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee, Liberty Elementary Cub Scout Pack 154 will continue the time-honored tradition of the Pinewood Derby.

If you're looking for a little nostalgia, or have little boys interested in Scouts, the car inspections start at 1:30 p.m. with races beginning at 2 p.m.

Leader Ann Wenzel, whose husband Jim is Cubmaster, said the boys have been working on their cars since before Christmas.

First-grade Tigers will start the event, followed by second-grade Wolves, third-grade Bears, and fourth-grade Webelos. Trophies will be given for first and second prize. The top boys from every level will race against each other for the overall fastest car of the pack. That boy is eligible to go to Blackhawk Area Council's Pinewood Derby in April.

There will also be an award for most unique design, which the boys will vote on.

Teen job fair: Young adults 14 years and older looking to get a head start on summer employment should take advantage of the opportunity to visit with many area employers at the Dundee Township Park District Teen Job Fair. Bring your positive attitude and most confident smile to the park district's Recreation & Fitness Center this Thursday, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

• If you have any news about your club, school, church, business, neighbor, or even yourself, please contact Kirstin Finneran by cell at (312) 518-4993, or e-mail at kirstinfinneran@comcast.net.