Tappan holds egg hunt for kids

Let the hunt begin!

This Saturday morning kiddies from infant stages to those in the second grade can run amuck in Tappan Square in search of Easter eggs left by "unknown sources." According to Robin Jindra, program coordinator, Friends of Oberlin established the annual Easter egg hunt approximately a decade ago, an events planning committee. "The hunt has been in existence for quite a while now," she said.

Many members of the Oberlin Community will play the role of Easter bunny this holiday. Beginning with the Ben Franklin Store, candy and plastic eggs were donated in support of the hunt. In the past, several Oberlin businesses would contribute to the event but have been dwindling in numbers over the past few years. "About 30 years ago they used to use real eggs. But then we realized the kids didn't want the eggs they wanted the candy," said Marianne Cochrane, Ben Franklin store manager. "This is the first year we're donating eggs and candy. It's getting harder to find groups to do that so this year we're doing it ourselves," said Cochrane. The Downtown Merchants Association, Oberlin VFW Post #9273 and Girl Scout Troops 712 and 768 are also cooperating for the event.

The donated candy and eggs are then sent to the Oberlin Senior Center. "We have people at Senior Center that are happy to fill the eggs," said Jindra. The eggs are then taken to be hidden in Tappan Square. "They square off Tappan Square for different age groups so the second graders don't run over the kindergartners," Cochrane said.

There will be a group hiding that will put the eggs around the square. In the past years there have been high school students that dressed as bunnies," said Cochrane, but not this year. Chances are the only bunnies seen will be in the figment of imagination of several toddlers and kids. "They don't really hide them they just lay them out," said Cochrane, noting the importance of insuring the happiness of the majority of families. "We try to make sure everyone gets eggs. They usually get quite a few kids."

Upon 10 a.m., this time-consuming community involvement is snatched up within a matter of minutes. " It's real popular, especially if it's a good weather day. A lot of young kids and parents come," said Jindra.

"If you've never seen it is a fun thing to see. It's just a race to get eggs," said Cochrane. "It's over so fast you won't believe it."