The rain began just as the countdown for the launch of the first leg of the outdoor portion of Centennial Place’s annual Easter Egg Hunt began.
The weather had discouraged some attendees at this popular event, but for those who showed up, the odds of snagging the top prize of a new bike were much improved. The cool temperatures also ensured the foil-wrapped chocolate eggs inside the colourful plastic ones remained intact, and because of some snow cover, most were very easy to locate.
There are three separate egg hunts for different age groups to level the playing field. The race for the youngest contestants is held indoors, but older children waited patiently outside, scouring the area for eggs in garden beds and trees, planning their routes. In addition to the treats inside each egg, contestants are looking for a golden ticket hidden inside one egg in each race, which entitles them to one of three bicycles donated by DC Landscape and Excavation, the Centennial Place management and their Resident Council. Bikes were awarded to Tawnee Blakely, Tia Cook and Georgia Noonan.
Other indoor activities included a photo-op with the Easter Bunny, Easter-themed crafts and face painting services provided by Cavan Monaghan Libraries staff. The prize of a basket of Easter-themed goodies was won by Dawson Howley.
The real beneficiaries of the event are the residents who love to see the children and benefit for all of the intergenerational programs like this one. Staff say that residents talk about the event for days. The community thanks Centennial Place staff for organizing events like this which allow their residents to connect with the community. Congratulations to the coloring contest and bike winners.