EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE The Alvarado family helped their toddler find her eggs, which were quickly discarded back on the ground after finding the goodies inside.
SPRINGFIELD – Thousands of eggs were hidden throughout the trees of Dorris Ranch on Saturday, and families took turns filling their baskets after missing out on last year’s canceled event.
The MEGGA Hunt was held by Willamalane Park and Recreation District. Traditionally scheduled for Lively Park on the Saturday before Easter, this year Dorris Ranch had each 16-lot section was roped off so groups wouldn’t intersect. There were 96 egg-hunt sessions, reserved in advance.
EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE“Hops the Bunny” and “Springs the Squirrel” are camera-ready for the drive-thru photo booth during Saturday’s event at the Dorris Ranch. It was the first time the MEGGA Hunt was held there.
Take-home baskets and drive-thru photos with Hops the Bunny and Springs the Squirrel were accompanied by live music provided by Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center, while farther into the ranch a local marching band played lively songs to motivate the egg-hunters.
Whitney Hoshaw, Community Engagement & Public Relations Supervisor, said last year the egg-hunt was the first event canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, and this is the first time they were able to bring the volunteers back to the event staff.
EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE Special Events and Operations Program manager Tracey Kribs and Special Events & Rentals supervisor Jack Mantel were the leadership behind the MEGGA Hunt this year.
“There were quite a few days where team members and volunteers were just stuffing eggs,” Hoshaw said. Willamalane has hosted other drive-thru events in the past, including Haunted Hayride last October. “We knew we needed to do something for the community.”
