It was gusty with overcast blustery weather of 31 degrees, but that did not stop nearly 230 children and their families from pursuing egg hunts on March 23 in Glenview at Little Bear Park in The Glen.
The sold-out Saturday morning EGGstravaganza, a paid entry event hosted by the Glenview Park District, featured 6,000 plastic eggs hidden throughout the park. Lucky kiddies in pursuit of the golden egg won prizes if they found the shiny gilded egg.
If they didn’t locate the golden egg, there were plenty of giveaways thanks to sponsors on the premises.
Siblings Charice Skala and Brianna Skala of Texas Roadhouse of Mount Prospect distributed goodies from their table including bags of peanuts and gummy bear treats.
“We have tons of stuff for the kids,” Brianna Skala said. “It’s just fun to be engaged with our community.”
Amanda Giacomino, the Park District’s preschool director, said, “This annual event has become a beloved tradition in Glenview, fostering a sense of unity among families and the community.”
Now in its second year at Little Bear Park, EGGstravaganza featured egg hunts tailored to age groups. Photos with the plush bunny were popular with families too.
“We are delighted to bring back this event again this year for the community, as it is a highlight for many at the Glenview Park District,” Giacomino said.
“The joy and excitement experienced by the children during the egg hunt is truly heartwarming, creating a memorable experience for all involved,” Giacomino said.
George Lappas of Glenview accompanied his children Christos, 7, a second-grader, and Daphne, 4. When the beloved mascot arrived to spend time with families, Daphne was seen having a personal hug with the plush bunny.
Easter is an opportunity, “to spend time with the family, to enjoy,” George Lappas said.
Joe and Elizabeth Gruensfelder of Glenview and grandparents David and Laura Cushnie, also of Glenview, spent time with the Gruensfelder children, Stella, 2, and Addie, three months.
David Cushnie was delighted, “to keep the family tradition,” of a community egg hunt.
Stella was seen being held by her grandfather as kiddies lined up for the 10:15 a.m. egg hunt for the youngest children.
Elizabeth Gruensfelder was happy for the children, “to spend time with their grandparents.”
To the Glenview Park District, “Thank you for putting this on,” Elizabeth Gruensfelder added.
“Thank you for having us,” Laura Cushnie said.
Lucy Alden, 4, of Glenview waited for the 10:30 a.m. egg hunt in the company of her mother Susie Alden who cheered Lucy on. Many eggs were left behind as the wave of children moved across the park to its southwest corner, but eggs were eventually scooped up off the lawn and playground as youngsters made their way back to see the plush bunny.
“We’re super excited to get out there and find some eggs and see the bunny,” Lucy’s mother Susie Alden said.
Steve and Lindsey Dani of Glenview brought their boys Luca, 1, and Theo, 3.
“We just moved here (to Glenview) two years ago and we’ve been really, really happy with the park district and everything they have to offer, whether it’s swim lessons or events like this,” Steve Dani said. “We’ve really enjoyed being Glenview residents.”
Lindsey Dani said, “We’re excited to go to both the pools,” this summer.
Tony and Katie Cusella of Glenview attended with their daughter Evie, 14 months, for Evie’s first seasonal egg hunt.
“It’s exciting,” Tony Cusella said with a smile about Evie’s milestone.
Stephanie Schad of Glenview brought her daughter, Holly, 2, and said to sum the experience up, “Just building memories, being out in the community.”
To the Glenview Park District, “They’re the best district ever.
“We moved here two years ago from the city (North Center Chicago, West Lakeview) and we could not be happier,” Schad said. “We love the park district, all the events they put on, all the parks are so beautiful and clean.”
“We love it.”
Visit https://glenviewparks.org.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
