Big Bunny to be busy Sunday with more than 25,000 eggs to hide

Like eating yellow marshmallow Peeps until lapsing into a sugar coma, Easter egg hunting is a rite of spring.

The Easter Bunny has scheduled several area Easter egg hunts for kids.

The annual Jaycees' hunt takes place on Governors Field near the baseball field and features about 25,000 eggs, according to organization president and chairwoman of the egg hunt Wendy Keller-Smith.

"We'll be going rain, snow or shine," said Keller-Smith, expecting about 2,000 candy-powered, fidgety little hands and feet to scamper around looking for dyed eggs and the 200 special prize eggs. "We don't change Easter. The hunt goes on no matter what."

The Jaycees' hunt features grand prizes for every age group and an early 11 a.m. start for special-needs children.

"Get there early," she advises. "The hunts go quickly and start right on schedule."

Ronald McDonald is a regular at the hunt, as is the Easter Bunny.

Those preferring plastic to traditional hen-laid eggs should check out Red's Easter egg hunt at Red's Old 395 Grill.

Manager Mark Schloss is hoping for good weather, but says if there's rain, they'll move the hunt inside.

It's Red's first year sponsoring an Easter egg hunt.

"A lot of customers want to do something for the family on Easter, and this is just a neat way to have that family fun," says Schloss.

As for the Easter Bunny?

"We're currently in communication, talking to his press agent," says Schloss. "He's really busy this time of year, but we're hoping to get him to make an appearance.

Red's will be offering a Cornish game hen and stuffed pork loin special for the parents while the kids burn off energy searching for the plastic, prize-filled treasures.

Also on tap is an Easter egg hunt at Minor Ranch, off Dayton Valley Road (across from Dayton Valley Golf Club). Organizers ask participants to drop off a dozen, colored, hard-boiled eggs per child on the day before the hunt.

For adults who prefer real grass over the plastic basket-stuffer kind, Greenhouse Garden Center is holding an Easter scavenger hunt. Those who find special golden eggs will receive a free tree.

n Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.