Easter egg hunts next two Saturdays

By Esther Noe 

 

The annual Easter egg hunts in Hill City and Keystone are just a hop, skip and a jump away. 

On Saturday, April 1, the 12th annual Hill City Easter Egg Hunt will kick off the fun at the Visitor Information Center (VIC) grounds. 

At 9:30 a.m. the Easter Bunny will arrive at the VIC to take photos with children and families. After that, the lineup will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the hunt will start at 10 a.m. sharp. 

As always, this egg hunt is hosted by the Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce and the VIC team. 

Chamber executive director Janet Wetovick-Bily said, “More than 1,000 colorful eggs will be stuffed by the Hill City Lions Club and Chamber with treats courtesy of the generous contributors that include the Hill City Lions Club, Wendy Bobbe - Candyland, Eric and Danielle Lind - Krull’s Market and the chamber/VIC staff.” 

Also, Kendra Scott, owner of The Handbag Store, is once again donating 100 plush bunnies so that 100 children can go home with a special toy. 

There will be three age groups including 0 to 3, 4 to 7 and 8 to 11. When it is time to begin, the groups will scramble to collect all the eggs. Children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets to hold their goodies. 

After the hunt, one child from each age group will discover that they are a grand prize basket winner. Other lucky children will also receive special prizes donated by the chamber and Candyland. 

“We have the most wonderful, generous members and community supporters in the world,” said Wetovick-Bily. “They have a soft spot for kids and really want to help us create a fun event and happy Easter memories for our families.” 

Everyone is encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. Should the weather threaten to disrupt the fun, the event will be held inside the VIC. All weather updates will be posted on the chamber’s Facebook page. 

For more information, contact the chamber at 605-574-2368. 

On Saturday, April 8, the Keystone Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 10 a.m. sharp at Keystone City Park. This hunt will take place outside regardless of the weather so attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately. 

There will be four different areas and age groups for this Easter egg hunt including 0 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 8 and 9 to 12. 

“We probably try to hide at least 500 eggs in each age group,” said community center director Robin Scott, who runs the hunt with the help of the Keystone Library Board and city hall. 

The plastic Easter eggs are filled with candy with the help of children, a town board member and city hall staff members to which Scott said, “I’m really lucky to have help there.”

In each age group area, there will also be three gold eggs and one glass egg, which is donated by the local glass blowers, hidden among the rest of the eggs. Those who find these special eggs will receive a prize including a Squishmallow and a $15 gift card to Mitzi’s Books. 

According to Scott, this fun family event has become a tradition in Keystone. 

“It seems like it gets bigger every time,” said Scott. “We just keep doing it because the kids like it.”

“I think the kids just love coming out and searching for the eggs, and they always have their eyes out for the golden eggs and getting the prizes,” Scott said. 

For more information, contact Scott at 605-666-4499.