By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Nobody purposely walked on eggshells on Friday, March 29 during the 2nd annual Egg Bonanza in Bunkerville.
The Easter-esque spectacle proved all it was cracked up to be: Upward of a hundred children and relatives tracking down 3,000 eggs on the Bunkerville park soccer field.
Mother Nature cooperated on the peaceful Good Friday morning, as knee-high participants and parents – with buckets in hand – toed the starting line while awaiting event coordinator Elmer Lopez’s countdown via microphone. Music emanated from an accompanying stereo speaker.
Lopez, a Logandale-based specialist for Clark County Parks and Recreation, wasn’t joking when he said the action goes quickly: The kids collected their ovoid treasures in microwave minutes, as curious horses observed through the fence of an adjacent field.
“We want to account for all the eggs; don’t want any left behind,” said Lopez, noting that labeled ones correspond with 100 prizes; unlabeled eggs already have candy inside.
Four areas were created by Lopez and assistants with 25 “prize” eggs available for each age group: years 0-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-10. County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick provided the funding to procure the chocolates and gifts.
Bunkerville librarian Cris Sessions’ young daughter, Stella, was among those who hopped down the proverbial bunny trail and literally put all her eggs in one basket.
“I like seeing all the kids together having a good time,” Sessions said. “We love the activities Elmer has organized.”
Marlan Felshaw and his wife, Autumn, brought their child to the spectacle for the first time.
“It’s just a fun community event that’s good for the kids,” Marlan said.
Parks & Rec assistant Austin Moreno was seated at a table covered with prizes.
“It’s fun being out here, showing the kids how to have a good time,” explained Moreno, making his maiden appearance at the Egg Bonanza.
Another program assistant for the county was Overton resident Carol Lindenmuth, who had a perpetual grin Friday while watching the egg hunters.
“My true love is kids,” said Lindenmuth, who retired from the insurance industry and joined Parks & Rec a fortnight ago, hopeful that she can revive arts and crafts.
As the activities came to an end Friday, Lopez made a final assessment: “When all prizes are accounted for, I will pack up and go.”
Soon they were, and he did.
