Hundreds scramble for prized eggs at annual Easter event

Around 250 Easter egg hunters, baskets in hand, turned out for this year’s combined Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt at the Sanders County Fairgrounds pavilion. Nearly 7,000 colorful eggs were hidden across the grounds, many filled with candy, prize certificates, and two extra-special surprises. 

Two eggs held certificates for brand-new bicycles, each valued at $150 and each were and donated by First Security Bank. Bank Manager Brian Crain was on hand to award the certificates to the lucky winners: 7-year-old Layla Vigue from Superior and 8-year-old Chelby Paseman from Plains. 

Sixteen local businesses and families donated to this year’s event, contributing food, prizes, and cash. In addition, 17 volunteers from the Church on the Move and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent more than five hours stuffing eggs in preparation. Roughly $1,000 in monetary donations helped fund the candy and prizes, with many eggs containing vouchers that kids could exchange after the hunt. 

The day kicked off with a pancake breakfast, hosted by the Plains Lions Club. Breakfast was free to the public, with donations welcome. The club raised $669 and received four new membership applications. Always looking for helping hands, the club continues to play a vital role in organizing local events like this one. 

The egg hunt began at 1 p.m., with Jessica Petersen of the Church on the Move serving as the master of ceremonies for her fifth consecutive year. The youngest group — ages 0 to 4 — was the first to take the field with about 50 little ones eagerly scooping up eggs. A few tumbles were quickly mended with help from nearby parents, who might have been just as excited as their kids. 

The event continued with the 5 to 7-year-olds (57 participants), followed by the 8 to 9-year-olds (34 kids), and then the 10 to 13-year-olds (48 kids). The 14 to 17-year-old group had 31 enthusiastic hunters. The final group of the day was made up of 29 adults, who impressively cleared the field in under five minutes. The oldest participant, 65-year-old Bill Harant, collected three eggs. 

    First Security Bank Manager Brian Crain awards the two lucky bicycle winners, Layla Vigue and Chelby Paseman. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Becky Fields, owner of Warrior Fitness, does her part to attract business for this year's Lion Club breakfast and Easter egg hunt along Railroad Avenue. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    The race is on during the Easter egg hunt in Plains. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Egg hunters ages 10 to 13 make a mad dash. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Two-year-old Ava Bruno has lots of hugs for the Easter Bunny. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)