Hundreds in attendance at annual Shelburne Easter Egg Hunt

Written By MARNI WALSH

Coun. Lindsay Wegener says it is difficult to estimate the number of “smiling faces” that came through the doors of the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex, on April 20th, to hunt for Easter eggs, but she believes there was somewhere between three and five hundred children.

As promised, the Easter Bunny arrived in Shelburne for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Despite damp weather conditions, that forced the hunt indoors, insurance issues, and a shortage of volunteeers, Councillor Wegener says she was encouraged by the positive response from people who attended the event.

Rules around insurance for special events made organizing the event challenging for the Councillor this year, with vendors and entertainers required by the Town of Shelburne to carry two million dollars in liabilty insurance. 

Coun. Wegener says, “Due to the insurance requirements, some compromises were made with regards to activities.” For example, the event was not able to have a face painter, but, instead, opted for a free temporary tattoo booth. Some vendors who had planned on attending, but did not have insurance, had to decline participation. 

Highlights of the popular event included the Shelburne Muskies with “Take Your Best Shot.” Children lined up to take their shot on the goalie and tried to score and shoot to win. “Fastest Pitch” with Junior schooners was another active and popular event with children throwing a ball into a pitching net and having their speed recorded.

“Of course the biggest highlight was Easter Bunny himself, and a petting area with baby goats.” The Councillor says, “All in all it's hard to pick out just the highlights, because everything was wonderful.” There was a balloon twister, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, hula hoops, skipping ropes, bean bag toss, and a few excellent vendors.

Sponsors for the event were the Town of Shelburne; Amber Borger of Royal LePage, Islamic Relief Canada, and John's No Frills supplied the chocolate eggs. Thanks go out to the volunteers who did help - “Without them I could not run this event,” says Coun. Wegener.

“I am not 100% sure about the event happening again for next year,” says Lindsay Wegener, “that would be something that maybe the Special Events Committee would have to discuss in order to take it on as an added event. If the event does continue next year, unfortunately the insurance issues of this year will not be changed.” She hopes, “Getting the message out sooner, that any vendor or activity wanting to participate must obtain their own insurance” will help.