CAMAS — As Cassidy Hines, an emcee, began counting down from 10, thousands of anxious onlookers joined her. Children crouched forward with their eyes fixed on the colorful eggs ahead of them.
Owen Yam and Chase Mills, both 10, leapt into action at the sound of “zero.” Less than 30 seconds later, the boys returned from the dash with 16 eggs combined and began searching for treats inside of them.
The scene took place Sunday afternoon at Crown Park in Camas, site of the 28th Annual Easter Day Egg Hunt. Nearly 2,000 people showed up to collect more than 12,000 eggs, said Krista Bashaw, Camas Parks and Recreation special events coordinator.
The parks department began preparing for the event in February, with five staffers and 29 volunteers on hand Sunday. Bashaw credits the hunt’s popularity to social media, new residents and organizational changes made to the event several years ago.
“I think we are also one of the only ones to run it on Easter Sunday,” Bashaw said.
Sunday marked the third hunt for the Greer family of Fisher’s Landing. The family of six went to the hunt after attending church in the morning.
“Usually we hold our own hunt, but lately it’s been the public stuff because it’s easier,” John Greer said. “Camas has got the small-town, kind of, family community.”
The hunt was divided by age group into five sections throughout the park. Kids ages 2 through 12 were invited.
John and Natalia Greer’s four children had only a few seconds to collect as many eggs as possible. The siblings had a strategy.
“We’re going to run into the middle and circle around,” said Leah, 11.
Not all of the eggs would contain candy or prize tokens. Still, the objective was clear.
“Candy, candy, candy, candy,” said Zack, 12.
Annalia, 5, Alanni, 2, and Arianna, 3, participated in the hunt for the first time. The siblings collected roughly three dozen eggs between them. While they currently live in Vancouver, their parents are in the midst of building their future home in Camas.
“We will be back,” said Chad, their father. “Oh yeah, for sure.”
