Annual Egg Hunt, Safety Fair meld Saturday at Jackson Park

“We will be hiding over 8,000 plastic eggs this year,” Mueller said. “Along with the fun of hunting for eggs hidden in the tall grass of the park, every child ages 1-10 will receive an Easter goodie bag filled with candy, prizes, and stickers. The Easter Bunny will be ready for hugs and photos with the kids.”

10 a.m. to noon, Jackson Park

Due to the limited space of the park, efforts will go to making this year’s egg hunt even safer for small children, according to Mueller. There will also be special entertainment, music and extra surprises such as a visit from the “Easter Panda” and “Smokey the Bear” starting at 10 a.m. up to the Egg Hunt which will start at exactly 11 a.m. Rain or shine, the Easter Egg Hunt will happen — so dress appropriately, although at this point, the forecast looks favorable.

Since there will be so many families in one place, the sponsors have again invited several community safety organizations to put on a Safety Fair at the park at the same time as the Easter Egg Hunt. The Fire Department will have fire trucks for the kids to explore, and will pass out fire safety information.

Sparky the Fire Dog will be present for hugs and photos. Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital will pass out bike helmet stickers and provide certificates to receive a free bike helmet.

Safe Kids Columbia Gorge will have a booster seat education booth to assure that toddlers are properly secured in their booster seats.

The Hood River Aquatic Center will be sharing all about swimming safety.

Smokey Bear will be on hand to teach about the dangers of wild fires. The police department will have a cruiser on hand for children to explore.

as our police officers teach public safety.

One Community Health, Next Door Inc. and the Health Media Club will round off the safety fair as first-time participants.

The Safety Fair will be in the North parking lot of Jackson Park from 10 a.m. to noon. The Easter The community is also invited to help our sponsoring churches stuff over 800 Easter goodie bags with candy, prizes, and stickers and tape together thousands of plastic eggs on Wednesday, March 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (Ninth and State Street) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“It is an honor, joy and privilege for the churches to serve our community’s children during such a special time of year,” Mueller said.