Egg hunt weather worth the week's wait

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- What a beautiful day for an Easter egg hunt.

The sun shone brightly Saturday morning as hundreds of kids ages 2-7, with parents in tow, gathered plastic eggs in German Park.

The annual event, sponsored by Hy-Vee and the New Ulm Parks and Recreation department, with a financial assist from PepsiCo., Hershey and M&M Bars, drew a large group of children and adults. Event coordinator Beth Enter, Hy-Vee's human resources manager, did double duty as the Easter Bunny while store director Tom Hobt acted as master of ceremonies.

The children were divided into three age categories: 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7. They could have one adult assist them in gathering eggs. When Hobt and the Easter Bunny said 'go,' the kids went into an enclosed area where they picked up the eggs and then took them to an "eggsit" to obtain their prize. Face painting, if desired, was available at no charge.

"We really lucked out (on the weather). We were supposed to have held it last week, and it got postponed," Hobt said. "We got beautiful weather today."

"She's pretty excited," said Todd Ide, Hutchinson, as his 3-year-old daughter Bethany tried on pink star-burst sunglasses from her prize package. Smiling broadly, she modeled them for everyone.

Tammie Pehling of New Ulm said her 3-year-old Hannah "liked the candy and eggs and running around with them, but she really liked the Easter Bunny!"