City to hold annual 21 and over egg hunt

The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department knows that children aren’t the only ones who enjoy Easter egg hunts. That’s why they have held a 21 and older Egg Scramble at Bryan Park for the past nine years.\nCommunity Events Manager for the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Becky Barrick said the event is very comical to watch. \n“These people are serious,” Barrick said. “They want those eggs.” \nAbout 3,000 eggs have been filled with candy and gift certificates from local businesses for the event which will take place 9 p.m. Friday. There are also some “Golden Egg Prizes” which include private, party and group dance lessons from Arthur Murray Dance Studio, an overnight stay and two rounds of golf at French Lick Resort and Casino and an overnight stay at Scholar’s Inn Bed and Breakfast with gift certificates for Butler Winery and Oliver Winery, according to a press release. Those wanting to participate must sign up by 5 p.m. Thursday.\nBarrick said the event began because there was a large number of Easter egg hunts for children, but nothing for adults. \n“Rather than repeat another children’s egg hunt, we decided to develop one for adults,” Barrick said. \nThe event is held at night to make the eggs harder to find, she said. This year all the eggs are either black, blue or purple to increase the level of difficulty. \nRegistration is limited to 350 people, and the event always sells out, Barrick said. Participants should get there early and get in line because the event only lasts a few minutes. After check-in, which begins at 8 p.m. at the Woodlawn Shelter, participants find their places along the starting line. There will be a count down and then a rope will be dropped before participants begin scrambling for eggs. \n“When the gun goes off it’s everyone for themselves,” said Randy Hannum, manager for Maxi Duplicating Center which does digital printing for the University.\nHannum said he and two friends have attended the event every year and recommends it to everyone. \n“It’s just the thrill of finding something not knowing exactly what you’re going to have,” Hannum said.\nThe event doesn’t last more than a few minutes, but the Department of Parks and Recreation has been working for months to make it happen.\n“It’s very labor intensive,” Barrick said. “We’ve been working since December to contact sponsors.”\nThe registration fee of $6 offsets the cost of putting on the event, Barrick said. Participants can register either online at www.bloomington.in.gov/parks or in person at the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation office in Suite 250 of City Hall. \nBarrick encourages students to participate.\n“It’s a good Friday night event,” Barrick said. “And it’s over before students are even ready to go out for the night.”