From Mike McCurry’s “Talk of the Town” column in The Clarendon Courier, April 13, 2017
Dozens of kids lined up at the south edge of Steves Park, armed with baskets in hand, and ready to pounce on the first colored egg their little eyes could spy. The anticipation was getting the best of a few, and there were some meltdowns in the crowd. Knowing the older kids would just plow over the toddlers if they were all sent out together, the organizers of the event let loose the 5-year-pld and under group first. It was by far the largest wave of children, and marking the start of the great Easter egg hunt.
These toddlers didn’t need an adult to help locate their prize the colorful blue, pink, orange, yellow and purple eggs were everywhere the eye could see. But most had a parent in tow to help keep the focus, and to save them from devouring all the jelly beans, chocolates and whatever morsels they could eat while on the run.
The next couple of waves set free were older; these were cognizant of the brief announcement that came from the man with the microphone. He explained there were a few golden eggs containing a fresh $50 dollar bill. The finder of these golden eggs could do whatever they desired with the money (with parental permission of course). And for these kids, that money would buy a lot more fun on their itunes account, or a new game for their Xbox. For the Walker Elementary parents who promoted the hunt, they knew how to get the older siblings running at this early hour of the morning – throw in some gold with a little green incentive!
The good news is, the Clarendon Hills Park District is hosting its’ Annual Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow – Friday, April 14 at 10:50 – in Prospect Park (not at Steves Park!). Children from 3-12 years of age are encouraged to bring a basket to hold all of the colorful eggs they collect. The park district not saying what special prizes are in the eggs just yet, but there will be something special for sure (maybe a $50 bill?)
If you are wondering where all those eggs come from, you can visit the Easter Bunny before the Egg Hunt, and ask him for yourself. He will be at a breakfast served by our Park District friends from 8:30-10AM. The famous park District face painters and tatoos artist will be there with “washable” tatoos.
Like most Easter egg hunts, the one hosted a few years ago at Steves Park was well-attended, the weather held up perfectly, and no one got ran over. The parents were brilliant to sweeten the pot with the golden eggs. Come to think of it, the pot was sweetened for the adults too – a buffet table was full of lots of food, and an abundant of garnish for the well-received brunch cocktails. What a great town we live in – it’s great to share these fun, family events with our neighbors, right in our own community.
Mike is a Clarendon Hills resident; husband; Indian Princess; Indian Guide Dad; a Coach; an “old” football player and a real estate broker. Mike’s columns are usually crafted about the buzz in and around the area. It sometimes has a spin on real estate or cultural information, highlight a new business or announce school happenings. He might include a “get-to-know” about some of our interesting residents and even a little about history. Whatever it is, it is sure to be about the “Talk of the Town”.