Staff writer
Sponsors have been secured, colorful baskets readied, and an appearance of the Easter Bunny confirmed for 10 a.m. Saturday at Hillsboro Memorial Park for the annual community Easter Egg Hunt.
“We’ve prepared for 240 children,” Kiwanis Easter Bunny Committee chair Hank Wiebe said on Tuesday. “Last year we didn’t have quite that many because of the rain, but usually we get the numbers pretty close.”
Kiwanis member Clint Seibel said up to 70 Hillsboro area businesses chipped in to pay for baskets and goodies for the annual Easter event. Kiwanis members assembled the baskets and organized the hunt.
“It will be a lot like last year,” Seibel said. “Children will meet at the park near the Scout House, and after hunting for their candy, they can have their pictures taken with the Easter bunny.”
Wiebe said Kiwanis members placed a piece of paper in each basket listing a sponsoring business and encourage participants to visit those places to thank them in person.
Seibel said the Easter Egg Hunt at the park for children ages 10 and under, has been a tradition in Hillsboro for possibly more than 40 years.
“The Jaycees used to run it. They started in 1974,” Seibel said. “I would say the Kiwanis picked it up at least 20 to 25 years ago and have been doing it ever since.
“It’s important for the kids to have fun, and the local business sponsorship helps promote community involvement.”