Park and Rec plans annual Easter Egg Hunt

By Lori O'Brien

Correspondent

CHICOPEE More than 1,800 strategically placed colorful Easter eggs will await youngsters at the city's annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 7 at Szot Park.

Eight lucky youngsters those finding a shiny golden ticket (think Willy Wonka!) nestled among the 1,800 eggs will be the recipients of a large Easter basket. Each basket will be packed with Easter-related gifts and toys and, of course, candy.

Richard Maciolek, assistant superintendent with the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department, is heading up the festivities, along with Stanley J. Walczak, superintendent, Dan Woodill, recreation supervisor, Sean Carroll, recreation supervisor, Kathy Bineault, senior clerk, and Jeannine Goff, clerk.

Maciolek encouraged area residents to sign up to participate in the fun and safe morning egg hunt planned in the playground/picnic area of the park. Families interested in participating must register at the Parks Department office on Front Street prior to April 7. The cost is $5 for city residents and $7 for nonresidents.

The Easter Egg Hunt is geared toward children age 10 and younger. In addition, a "Craziest Easter Bunny Ears Contest" is planned, and all children will receive a picture with the Easter Bunny. Maciolek also noted that several gifts will be given at the registration table and by the Easter Bunny.

Businesses that have made donations to ensure the success of the family event include Peoples Bank, John's Pizza, Teddy Bear Pools, Dairy Queen and Burger King.

In the event of rain, the Easter Egg Hunt will take place inside the old Chicopee High School.

The Parks and Recreation Department hosts an active yearly schedule of events and trips. Trips planned in the coming months include a Boston Duck Tour on May 6, the Albany Tulip Festival on May 12, a Cape Cod Cruise on June 23, and the Newport Tall Ships on June 30. Special events at the park will include Chicopee Fest-Of-All from June 29-July 1 and fireworks on June 30.

For a complete list of programming offered by the Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.chicopee.ma.us/events/programs.html or call (413) 594-3481.