MONTAGUE — With an Easter bunny, candy-filled plastic eggs and joyous children, Turners Falls had many of the hallmarks of an Easter celebration for the 13th year.
Saturday, a day ahead of Christianity’s holiest day, hundreds of children and their families gathered at Unity Park for the annual Easter egg hunt.
As soon as they were given the “go,” the young children cleared the ground of Easter eggs in a matter of minutes.
The event is put on each year by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, and Clerk Jennifer Peterson explained that donations provided around 5,000 Easter eggs for the event, as well as prizes — some eggs contained tickets that could be turned in at the end of the hunt for larger, non-edible items.
“Somebody got a scooter, a big, elaborate scooter,” said Peterson, standing in front of an Easter bunny waving and taking pictures with happy children.
Kaleigh Strout brought her young daughters to the event, and appreciated the way it was set up — broken into two different hunts, one for children above five years old, and one for children five years old and under.
“I feel like that they give everyone a chance,” said Strout, whose daughter Jazlyn, 8, was excited to fill her basket with eggs.
Peterson explained that a raffle at the event which gives away items like baskets filled with toys, candy and basketballs, helps to fund different children’s scholarships in the town.
John Dobosz, who helps organize the event each year, said he is glad it brings so many to Turners Falls.
“It’s not just a Turners Falls event, it’s a Franklin County event,” said Dobosz, looking out at the sea of people.
Reach David McLellan at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.