The sight of fresh snow on the ground on the morning of the annual Easter Egg Hunt was discouraging for organizers at Centennial Place, but by the time the event began the sun was shining and the temperature climbing. Winter coats were discarded to ensure maximum mobility for those coming to search for eggs. Roughly 200 youngsters came out to test their egg collection skills, enjoy a photo-op with the Easter Bunny and craft and face-painting organized by the CM Library staff. There was also a colouring contest this year that proved to be quite popular.
This year Centennial Place staff had hidden foil-wrapped chocolates inside colourful plastic eggs, and to their surprise, these treats had begun to melt in the warm sunshine. In addition to the chocolate treats participants enjoyed elaborately decorated cookie and juice.
There are three separate egg hunts for different age groups to level the playing field. The race for the youngest contestants was held inside, but older children waited patiently outside, scouring the area for eggs in garden beds and trees, planning their routes. Contestants are looking for a golden ticket hidden inside an egg in each race, which entitles them to one of three bicycles donated by DC Landscape and the Centennial Place Resident Council.
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 three bike winners.