April 6, 2015 at 4:20 p.m.
Visit from the Easter Bunny brings joy to hundreds of kids
Visit from the Easter Bunny brings joy to hundreds of kids
At least 5,000 Easter eggs were scattered around Pioneer Park Saturday morning, providing a challenge to a huge crowd of youngsters poised to hunt. As the Rhinelander Optimist Club past president Dave Mannikko began the countdown, the kids began inching forward. Once he reached zero, the stampede began. Within minutes, all the eggs had been found and the third annual Rhinelander Optimist Club Easter egg hunt was over.
The club's mission is to provide fun and educational events for the youth of the area. The hunt falls into the former category, and Mannikko said it has been very successful.
"It's definitely the best weather we've had," he said. "Last year, the ground was covered in snow and it may have even snowed a little on the eggs. It's a bit chilly, but when the sun's out it's nice. But, really, nothing's going to stop these kids from getting their eggs.
"Our club is designed to do projects for the youth in the area - both fun things and educational things. The hunt, along with the open skate event we hold in November, are our biggest projects so far. We do scholarships and other things as well, but I think the hunt is the most popular. The kids love it. The parents love it. We love it. It's a great chance to get out and have some fun over the holiday weekend."
The hunt is always held on the Saturday before Easter and, given its popularity, it is likely to continue for years to come. It's that popularity - and the joy that can easily be seen on the faces of the kids - that makes it all worth while for club members.
"It's really fun. The kids always do a great job following directions and making sure everyone gets eggs," Mannikko said.
"I think we had an even better turnout this year that in years past. We were packed, and that's what we're going for. We want these kids to be able to come out and have a great time. It sure seems like they did. I know we did."
The kids certainly did have a great time.
"I found a bunch of eggs with a bunch of candy," said Maddie Thompson, age 7. "It was a lot of fun running out to get the eggs."
The parents had a good time, too.
"We've been here every year and it's always a blast seeing all the kids run out to find the eggs," Samantha Perkins said. "They get so excited, it's hard not to get excited as well. I may not be out getting eggs, but you can't help but share in their joy. This is such a great event. We look forward to it every Easter."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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