Community egg hunts held rain or shine

With Easter this weekend, many local children will participate in the time honored holiday tradition of egg hunts. Both Camas and Washougal have events to keep the little and not-so-little ones full of Easter chocolate and other sweet treats. It will be the 22nd year for the Camas Parks and Recreation Easter Day egg hunt.

“I am so glad that after all of these years, we are still able to offer this for free,” said Krista Bashaw, recreation coordinator. “Other communities are starting to charge for these events, so I’m grateful to have a supportive City Council and mayor so we can offer this event for everyone.”

The hunt begins at 1:30 p.m. sharp, rain or shine, but due to parking constraints, attendees are encouraged to arrive by 1 p.m.

“If they are not ready to go at 1:30, the candy goes really fast,” Bashaw said. “We don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

Preparations for the hunt begin with an annual egg stuffing party. Volunteers from local Boy Scout Troop 562, Washington State School for the Blind students and adult chaperones fill approximately 10,000 eggs.

“I usually give them a big handful of candy to take home afterward,” Bashaw said.

Her favorite part of the hunt is watching the delight on the kids’ faces. Her least favorite part is the uncertainty of the weather.

“We’ve had a little bit of everything,” Bashaw said. “So, if someone could do a sun dance this year, it would be great.”

This year marks the second time that Sir Launch-a-Lot, the egg launching robot, will be on hand to kick off the festivities.

The robot was built by members of the Camas-Washougal FIRST Robotics Club.

“The kids just love it,” Bashaw said.

The traditional Easter bonnet and contemporary hat contest will take place immediately following the hunt.

In Washougal, the Eagles club is getting ready to host its annual community egg hunt at 1 p.m. Saturday, in Hathaway Park.

This marks the 15th year the club has offered the hunt.

“I think it’s a good thing for the community and brings everyone together, especially the kids,” Eagles member Jaimie Shuler said. “It’s something to look forward to and all around fun.”

Both the Eagles and the Parks and Recreation egg hunts will be separated by age group.

Egg hunt locations and details are as follows:

• Easter Day hunt at Crown Park

Northeast Everett Street and 17th Avenue, will be held rain or shine Sunday, at 1:30 p.m.

Candy and prize filled eggs will be hidden in designated egg hunting areas for children in age groups including 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-12. Participants should bring their own basket or bag.

For more information, call Camas Parks and Recreation at 834-5307.

• Egg hunt at Hathaway Park

1 p.m. Saturday, 2451 “G” St., in Washougal.

For more information, call the Washougal Eagles at 835-9653.

• Harvest Community Church

The community is invited to attend the neighborhood Easter egg hunt at the church, 2436 N.W. Astor St., in Camas.

The event for will be held at 10 a.m. sharp on Saturday.

For more information, call 834-4081.

• Zion Lutheran Church

An Easter egg treasure hunt will be held Sunday, at 10:15 a.m., at Northeast Fourth Avenue and Garfield Street, in Camas.

For more information, call 834-4201.

• Vancouver Farmers Market

A hunt will be held Saturday, at Esther Short Park, 610 Esther St., in Vancouver at 10 a.m. There will be hunts for age groups including 0-3, 4-8 and 9-12.

• Skamania Lodge

A free egg hunt will begin on the front lawn at 8 a.m. Sunday, 1131 S.W. Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson. It will be followed by pictures with the Easter Bunny from 9 to 11 a.m. Easter brunch is also available for purchase.