NORWICH – More than 4,000 Easter eggs will be scattered across East and West Parks in downtown Norwich this weekend, hidden in brush and grass, and just waiting to be found by local kids during the annual Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt.
The Maydole Hose Company of the Norwich Fire Department, in collaboration with the Norwich Business Improvement District and the Norwich Merchants Association, will kick-off the event at 10 a.m. Saturday in West Park for children up to age 4, and at 10:15 a.m. in East Park for children ages 5 to 8.
Children must accompanied by an adult and bring their own basket to gather their findings.
“Every year we’ve done this and it’s been a great success,” said Pat Ford, president of the volunteer Maydole Hose Company. “The kids love it. We get hundreds and it looks like we’re going to have some good weather this year, so I think we’ll have a bigger turnout.”
Most eggs are filled with a candy prize, and several others with gift certificates to local retailers, thanks to donations made by the Norwich Merchants Association. Better yet, two lucky kids will find the two grand prize eggs, each awarding a new bicycle donated by the Maydole Hose Company.
The event, which was a popular community occurrence years ago, has only recently been revived by the Maydole Hose Company, said Ford, adding that “it was a great idea and people seem to love that it’s back again.”
Said BID Director Roz DeRensis, “The community involvement in this annual event astounds me, from the Fire Department taking the lead in organizing this egg hunt, to the local merchants donating gift cards.”
In addition to the egg hunt for kids, parents and other adults will be on the search for the Golden Egg, which has been hidden by the Maydole Hose Company and worth $250 if found.
All week, clues that were written by City Mayor Joseph Maiurano have aired on WCHN radio, hinting to the egg’s location. In past years, it’s been hidden in Gordon Park, Guernsey Memorial Park, and the train station watch tower in front of City Hall. While radio listeners have been calling in with their guesses, no one has figured out where the egg’s hidden, Maiurano said.
“We won’t know who finds it until Saturday,” he added.
“We are so excited for the annual Easter egg hunt to be back in the parks. It’s a great way for family with young children to kick off the holiday,” said DeRensis, emphasizing that it is a family-friendly, smoke-free event. “Easter weekend is an extra special time and we are excited for people to come enjoy downtown.”