Hundreds go in search of plastic eggs at early Easter event in Mundelein; ‘Fostering a sense of connection, joy and community spirit'
Real eggs are costly these days at your local grocery store, so about 11,000 filled plastic eggs stood in Saturday as the sought-after prizes at an early Easter egg hunt in Mundelein.
The Mundelein Park and Recreation District's annual Cottontail Trail attracted nearly 400 registrants at the Dunbar Recreation Center at Community Park.
'It's always wonderful to see families come together, and we're grateful for the opportunity to highlight the joy and connections this event creates,' district cultural arts and events supervisor Amy Langille said.
'While we've been planning spring egg events for many years, this is the Mundelein Park and Recreation District's fourth year of Cottontail Trail and it continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of connection, joy and community spirit,' she said.
While the Spring Bunny was present for photo opportunities, also greeting children this year was Mundy Lion, the district's new mascot. There were high-fives and family photos as Mundy Lion said hello to youngsters at the entrance in the large gym where community sponsors had tables with giveaways.
First in line for the first wave of attendees was Jaylin Flores, 4, of Mundelein. Her mother Cristina Brito hoped for Jaylin, 'just to have fun' at the springtime holiday.
Sofia Brennan of Mundelein, 2, chased bubbles outside after navigating the inside trail with parents Nik and Viviana.
Nik Brennan said his hopes for Sofia this holiday are, 'She really enjoyed the Easter Bunny last year so just the smiles she gets out of it.'
Community sponsors included the Mundelein LGBT Alliance and Allies. Mundelein LGBT provided bright rubber duck toys.
'It's just being part of the community, and getting out in the springtime and seeing all the kids and families and being part of something really cool,' said Susan Goedke, who staffed the Mundelein LGBT table.
Before youngsters went outside after the trail, they could meet the Spring Bunny for photos and pet leashed dogs available for adoption. Staffing the dog adoption informational table was Mike Myers of Reach Rescue of Mundelein.
'For the rescue, it's great for the dogs,' he said. 'It gives them exposure. Who doesn't like puppies?'
Miss Mundelein 2024 Natalia Gutierrez, 18, a senior at Mundelein High School, was on hand for photo opportunities and handed out small bags of fruity, spring-themed nutritional snacks.
'I love seeing all the kids here, and just talking to them and kind of showing them what they can do,' she said. 'I know we have such a diverse community here in Mundelein. It's so important for them to see people in positions such as mine to know that when they're older, they can do the same thing.'
Children used the playground and participated in a raffle for holiday baskets. There was also a petting zoo where a friendly duck seemed to have its own fan club.
Katrina Block of Mundelein and children Annabelle, 9, and Lilyann, 10, hoped to win a basket with a colorful stuffed animal. Annabelle and Lilyann also visited the petting zoo. Both siblings wore festive holiday headbands with two bunnies each on hopping springs. Annabelle wore pink and Lilyann wore purple.
'We picked number two,' Annabelle said of the preferred basket to win. All three family members liked basket number two and hoped one of their names would be pulled.
'We all put it in the same, hoping for better results,' Katrina Block said with a laugh. 'I like the bright colored bunny. It looks soft and cute.'
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