Saturday was a big day for small humans, as spring and Easter egg hunts dotted communities under a sun that cracked the skies, with temperatures rising pleasantly into the mid-60s.
In Creswell, Hillside Church organized an Easter egg hunt at Creslane Elementary School.
The 6th and Gibbs Church of Christ hosted a hunt at Bohemia Park in Cottage Grove.
COTTAGE GROVE AND CRESWELL PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK / THE CHRONICLE
Springfield’s egg hunt, the largest in the state, featured over 48,000 eggs at Splash at Lively Park. Willamalane celebrated its 71st year hosting the event. The event was open to all ages and abilities and featured a variety of egg hunts, including inclusive and adaptive options.
“Megga Hunt had a great turnout this year. We sold out the day before the event, with 900 tickets for egg hunters and 33 family lots. We estimate that there were about 4,000 people at this event,” said Whitney Hoshaw, marketing and communications manager at Willamalane. “This is a pre-sale event, which helps make sure each egg hunter has plenty of eggs. At 48,000 eggs, it’s likely the largest hunt in Oregon, and one of the nation’s largest hunts, too.”
“Willamalane is honored (that) Megga Hunt has become part of family traditions for so many in our community,” said Michael Wargo, Willamalane executive director.
Each community also offered additional activities, including games, raffles, and plenty of food for those who worked up an appetite.
In Springfield, on-site were hands-on activities, balloon animals, train rides, photo booths, music, and community exhibitors. The Chronicle was boothed up at the Springfield event, with a spring-themed Plinko game that had participants wondering if they had stumbled onto “a set for The Price is Right.”
“This event is always so rewarding! All day you see this event bring so much joy to children and families. It’s a gathering space for the community, with many people staying to enjoy the many activities available at the event on such a beautiful day,” Hoshaw said.
For this event, 28 community volunteers showed up on the day of. Plus, over 16 Willamalane staff helped run the event on the day of, Hoshaw said.
