Debbie Blank

Assistant Editor

Get ready for six free Easter egg hunts in this area on the first two Saturdays in April. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at most gatherings, so families should bring cameras and baskets for their loot.

In chronological order:

• Children will look for over 1,300 eggs containing candy, money and toys at Sunman’s event, sponsored by the chamber of commerce, beautification committee and town. It begins at Sunman Community Park Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m.

Age categories are 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10. Children in the youngest group may have a parent aid them.

Beautification committee member Arleen Ellinghausen notes, “We have great prizes.” The top one in each category is something substantial, like a bicycle, scooter or toy desk.

She recalls last year’s spring party was “cold and wet. They came in their boots, coats and gloves. They love it, no matter what the weather. It’s just a great time.”

• About 800 to 1,000 children are expected at the 15th Ripley County Chamber of Commerce hunt Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m. rain or shine at Versailles State Park near the swimming pool.

Over 5,000 eggs filled with candy and goodies will be scattered. Eight eggs per age group contain special messages, signifying extra prizes. “One of them happens to be a new bike,” reports executive director Amy Thomas. Age groups will hunt at separate times in these categories: 1-3, 4-6 and 7-10. Area children who attend “have lots of fun and look forward to it,” she says.

• A hunt sponsored by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted by the Batesville Jaycees and city takes place Saturday, April 4, at 11:30 a.m. at Liberty Park, a new location. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the park pavilion.

Children will be divided according to age (1-3, 4-6 and 7-9) to hunt separately in groups for 5,000 eggs. Parents are allowed to accompany toddlers, but must not assist their children in picking up eggs. No strollers or babies in arms are allowed on the field. Volunteers are available to assist with younger children. After the searching is over, each participant will receive a bag containing candy and a small toy.

“It’s a lot of fun for the kids,” says coordinator Marilyn Schnur. “It’s an exciting time for the families ... to watch the smiles on the kids’ faces as they open their little prizes,” adds chamber director Melissa Tucker. “They absolutely love petting the (live) bunnies” and goofing around with clowns.

• A special invitation in Spanish produces “a high turnout” of the Hispanic community at the Batesville United Methodist Church Community Egg Hunt. It starts at the church grounds and parking lot Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m. The event will be inside if it’s rainy, according to administrative assistant Bobbi Branson.

“Our youth group helps hide the eggs,” which amounted to 180 dozen last year, most filled with candy, but a few with special prizes by age group. In addition to surprises in eggs, “snacks and punch keep them happy.” Attendees, who also include Jack & Jill preschoolers and area residents, “definitely have a good time and we get to practice our Spanish.”