The mEGGa Hunt is an egg-cellent way to spend your Saturday

Meet the big bunny himself, play the drums and make Easter crafts.

By Jessica Shelton • March 22, 2016 2:29 pm
Park Commissioner Kirk Robinson loads up the goodies at an egg-stuffing party on February 26. Altogether
Park Commissioner Kirk Robinson loads up the goodies at an egg-stuffing party on February 26. Altogether

Unlike his rival, Mr. Kris Kringle, the Easter Bunny doesn’t need a tracker.

On Saturday, March 26, it’s clear exactly where he’ll be — at Bainbridge’s own mEGGa Hunt.

From 9 a.m. to noon, the benevolent rabbit will be hopping around the west end of Battle Point Park, leaving a trail of goodies for lucky little boys and girls to find.

For the record: he isn’t skimping. Mr. EB has more than doubled 2015’s bounty, recruiting his friends at the park district to fill 6,000 eggs with stickers, fruit chews, chocolate and temporary tattoos. Considering that the event draws between 500 and 1,000 attendees, the odds are good that your kids will leave hoppy.

In between hunting, there’s lots to do — crafts, games, live music. At one station, tots can decorate a bag to hold all their treasures and design beaded jewelry. There will also be face painting and a balloon clown roaming. Universal Beats of Bainbridge Island will lead a community drum circle and provide sweet beats to boot. Luau Cinder will serve up funk rock reggae and make you wish you brought your dancing shoes. In case you get hungry, the local Kiwanis will be circulating apple cider and cookies, courtesy of the day’s sponsor, CHI Franciscan Health.

The format for the crown event this year is new. Instead of a free-for-all eggstravaganza, each age group will set out to scoop up eggs at separate times.

“This format gives families the opportunities to enjoy all the activities and watch each age group hunt,” explained Lori Mejia-Quick, the park district’s community outreach manager.

Tots in grades K-1 will begin their search at 10:15 a.m.; second- and third-graders will take the lawn at 10:45 a.m.; and those in grades 4 and 5 will snatch up their treasure from 11:15 a.m. The littlest ones, ages 5 and under, will be able to participate every 10 minutes between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

When they’re finished, they’ll learn a thing or two about green living. In exchange for recycling their eggs on-site, kids will be entered in a raffle to receive a bike.

The mEGGa Hunt will take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to park near the west side of Battle Point Park, off of Battle Point Road, as the festivities will take place near the ball fields.