By Monday afternoon, 10,000 painstakingly stuffed plastic eggs will be cracked open by the kids attending the big Easter Egg hunt at LocoLanding adventure park.
Jean Grakul, one of the leadership students who helped stuff the eggs on Wednesday with chocolates and goodies, said she doesn’t mind.
“This is important to me because I really like to volunteer a lot. When I was younger my Easter times were not as good as they could have been, but this kind of brings back the good memories and I just really love Easter,” she said.
The volunteer time donated by Grakul and other local teenagers helps the annual fun day and egg hunt continues to grow, according to LocoLanding owner Diana Stirling.
“This year we have over 70 teenagers volunteering their time for our annual Easter fun day and egg hunt so that 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the OSNS Child Development Center, said Stirling, adding that the goal is to raise $5,000 for the OSNS.
“We are excited about this event and so appreciative to LocoLanding for their support,” said Manisha Willms, OSNS executive director. “This is a children’s event that — thanks to the generosity of LocoLanding — will go back into supporting children in the South Okanagan through our Child Development Centre. Families from our centre will also be able to participate. It’s a win-win.”
Along with the 10,000 eggs hunt that winds through the SS Sicamous, there are activity and craft stations sponsored by local businesses such as Britco, Starbucks and Burger55, This year there are 10 golden eggs, sponsored by Investors Group, hidden in the hunt with a special prize pack for the child that finds one.
Entertainment for the day is being donated by Mama Yay of the Super Cooligans and of course, the Easter Bunny will be in attendance. LocoLanding is also open with discounted pricing for their attractions.
This year, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 21. Children need to bring their own baskets to collect eggs and there is a minimum $5 donation for participating children.
The City of Penticton will also be running an Easter event this year, from 10 a.m. to noon on April 19, suitable for children three to 10 years (children under seven years must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets are $7 per child, and can be purchased at the Community Centre with proceeds to the South Okanagan Children’s charity. For more information, visit www.penticton.ca/recreation.