The eighth annual Easter egg hunt, organized and sponsored by Delta Co-op drew fun seekers to the Unity Community Centre March 31.
Although it is difficult to gauge attendance figures, it is estimated 400 or more children take part in this annual event. Add that to the hundreds of parents and grandparents who accompany them and a full house is the result.
The event has blossomed over the years as other businesses in town contribute to prizes. Sifto generously provides a free hot dog barbecue for all participants, funded by their company and manned by their employees. Easter Bunny and Cooper, the Co-op mascot, even make their rounds to enjoy interacting with the kids.
The arena has a great seating area for parents and grandparents to watch. The arena floor is covered with thousands of plastic eggs that children from different age groups are released into. The 'hunters' pick quickly and they open even faster. Plastic eggs contain either chocolate eggs or prize tickets that can be redeemed at various stations in the lobby.
Marketplace store manager, Marvin Phillips, spearheads the event. Along with the help of a committee, made of up nine Co-op staff members, who then enlist the help of a dozen other staff for egg stuffing duty, the work gets done. It takes the organizing committee a few months to plan, organize, stuff eggs and gather prizes but it takes less than an hour for it to be all over. As well, a dozen or more staff set up and man stations the day of the event, as well as work the prize collection tables. But the smiles on the participants' faces last all day long.
Even though it is a big undertaking, the committee and staff helpers are rewarded as they watch the excitement and anticipation build up. Marvin admits that every year there is a new challenge presented that they write on the list to address for next year.
"It is an event geared just for kids and we try very hard to encourage parents to let the kids just run with the gang once the starting bell has rung, in order for it to be fair to all participants."
The committee adds, "we wish we could have a prize for every kid participating but we never know what the number will be, and we can only give out what is donated through the sponsors. However, each kid gets a wonderful chance to join in an activity full of fun that is completely free to the participant."
Phillips remarked it is especially gratifying when parents offer thanks for the event. He, along with the committee, agrees those positive comments go a long way to build enthusiasm as they head into next year's event.
The committee is grateful to have more than 50 businesses donate money or prizes. This sponsorship allows the committee to aim for dozens of prizes in each of the five age groups.
It is a co-operative effort.
