An estimated 200 kids showed up throughout the day for an Easter egg hunt at Ski Beach Park in Big Bear. On April 1st, staff from Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (BBVRPD) began planning an Easter Egg hunt program for the local community for Saturday April 16th. With only two weeks to prepare, BBVRPD sought sponsors immediately and found three gracious donors. Paisley Boutique/Bourbon & Gin Apparel, The Toy Galley, and Porter’s Inc. helped make this event a success by raising a total of $450.00 in donations. With collected funds, BBVRPD was able to fill 1,650 eggs with candy, bubbles, and Play-doh. BBVRPD also purchased 180 tote bags to give out. The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo donated candy and approximately 600 fidget spinners. A local author and illustrator, Kristi L. Miller kindly donated three signed copies of her book and an Easter basket to be raffled off.
There were three waves of hunts: 2nd grade and under, 6th grade and under, and 8th grade and under. The anticipation grew for the children of Big Bear Valley as well as visiting kids from out of town. BBVRPD also provided information on upcoming summer programs and FOBBAZ promoted the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Children ran around with excitement to find as many eggs and toys as possible and returned with joy and satisfaction after having a blast filling their baskets. BBVRPD received positive feedback from the community and a few people even mentioned interest in volunteering next year.
The Easter Egg Hunt was a free event and very successful for the community. In addition, BBVRPD was promoted upcoming programs and camps that the park district will be hosting over Summer.
