Chilly weather doesn't discourage egg hunters

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Youngsters, ages 6 to 8, scramble across the front lawn at Ozarks Community Hospital gathering eggs during the egg hunt at Saturday's Easter Eggstravaganza. Once the hunt started, it didn't take long to collect all the colorful plastic eggs.
Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Youngsters, ages 6 to 8, scramble across the front lawn at Ozarks Community Hospital gathering eggs during the egg hunt at Saturday's Easter Eggstravaganza. Once the hunt started, it didn't take long to collect all the colorful plastic eggs.

GRAVETTE -- A chilly breeze was blowing Saturday and temperatures struggled to climb out of the 50s, but the unpleasant weather did little to discourage the scores of youngsters who turned out for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Ozarks Community Hospital. Many eagerly jumped in and scrambled for eggs in hunts held for four separate age groups.

After the hunts, children sorted through the colorful plastic containers to learn whether they had collected candy or paper slips they could exchange for prizes. The prize tables were laden with dozens of games and toys from which to choose.

The egg hunts were a highlight of the annual event, sponsored by the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, but several other activities were offered as well. Young guests could have their faces painted, climb into the cab of Gravette Fire Department's big ladder truck and check out other emergency vehicles, or dye and decorate an Easter egg to take home.

A petting zoo, including fluffy baby bunnies and chicks, a calf and even a hedgehog, was provided by members of the Maysville 4-H Club. The young animals were so appealing it was hard to resist stopping by to pet and cuddle a few. The Easter Bunny was on hand and was even seen admiring the pets.

Another 4-H Club, Town and Country 4-H, operated a cake walk and its members distributed cookies and Little Debbie snacks to those who participated. Members of the Gravette Historical Museum Commission set up a backdrop and provided a setting for photo opportunities for those who wanted a lasting souvenir of the occasion.

If all the activity caused one to work up an appetite, members of the OCH food service staff had the solution. Free hot dogs, potato chips and cookies were provided to hungry guests. Some even enjoyed small ice cream cones but others declined, saying it was too cold for ice cream.

Community on 04/04/2018