More than 15,000 eggs dotted the grounds of Sunset Woods Park on Saturday for four back-to-back Easter egg hunts sponsored by the Park District of Highland Park.
There was no limit on the number of eggs participants could collect, and a select few eggs contained golden tickets to win large prize baskets.
Hidden throughout the park were eight white eggs and adults who found them could redeem them for prizes valued at between $300 to $500.
The event began with a dog egg hunt where pups could find filled organic, pet-friendly eggs.
Liz Buchert of Highland Park brought children Giada, 9, and Viviana, 6, and family pup Chai, a female goldendoodle schnauzer poodle mixed breed.
“They enjoy it, and this is Chai’s first Easter, so we’re getting super excited to share it with her,” Buchert said, adding that dogs are “a big part of our family, so they get to celebrate in the fun, too.”
Viviana said she would like popular “bath bomb” soap creations in her Easter basket this year.
The EGGcessible Hunt then took place for children who could experience a sensory-friendly hunt.
“The EGGcessible egg hunt is probably one of the things that we look forward to for the year,” said Kayla Moen of Highland Park, the mother of Dylan, 9, and twins Aubree and Amelia, 6.
“The girls love it, he (Dylan) loves it … We get great pictures,” Moen said. “It’s something that they can be included in.”
Next on the schedule was the Tot Playground egg hunt for children ages 1 to 3. The main egg hunt for ages 3 and up was the last hunt of the day, with more surprises to collect, such as small rubber ducks, bubbles, bunny ears and wrapped marshmallow candy packages.
David and Linh Rescek of Wadsworth watched their children Isabella, 6, Gavin, 4, and Emma, 10, scramble for eggs.
Emma said she hopes the Easter Bunny will bring her a basket with, “just like a lot of sweets.”
The event included a visit by the plush bunny, who posed for photos along a covered pavilion where families could also get their faces painted courtesy of the Highwood Public Library.
The egg hunt event has been held in Highland Park for more than 45 years, according to Amanda Geoffrion, the Park District’s recreation supervisor for early childhood enrichment.
“Over the years, our egg hunt has become a beloved and cherished community tradition,” she said. “While it may have originally begun as an Easter celebration, it has grown into something much bigger and more inclusive — a true celebration of community for all our residents and neighboring non-residents.”
“It’s especially meaningful to help create events that bring our community together in such a joyful way,” Geoffrion said. “As both a staff member and a parent, I view our events through the lens of what makes families feel comfortable and supported.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the heart of this event the same while evolving it each year to better serve our community and keep things fresh and exciting,” she continued. “We love seeing parents and grandparents join in the fun as well.
“It’s truly a full family outing,” Geoffrion said, adding the event offers, “an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together in one of our most popular parks with something for everyone.”
