Swinomish host egg-cellent Easter celebration

Breakfast was served to one and all at the Swinomish Gym early Saturday morning.

There was a wide-ranging menu other than one traditional morning favorite.

No eggs.

Those weren’t in the gym, but instead were to be found later at the play area in front of the Susan Edwards Wilbur Early Education Center.

Local kids from toddlers to grade school students rushed from breakfast tables to the hunting grounds in search of prized eggs, said to have been left by the Easter Bunny well before daybreak.

The 2019 edition of the Swinomish Easter Egg Hunt, part of the Tribal Community’s annual Easter celebration, enjoyed a large turnout of youth – most bundled in layers due to chilly conditions.

Swinomish Senator Steve Edwards and Youth Center staff orchestrated the hunt, dividing kids into four age groups – starting with two and under – and separating them onto two different courses.

Much planning went into the event. The Youth Center was closed Friday afternoon in preparation for the Easter celebration and the Easter Bunny’s stealth arrival.

Those efforts were well received. Parents and grand-parents taking part watched as if spectators at a much anticipated sports event.

The young hunters sought out gold and silver eggs that earned special prizes like bicycles and scooters. Other eggs, also of the plastic variety, contained change, currency and candy.

Other favorite finds were eggs filled with tickets that could be redeemed for Easter baskets filled with candy, toys and other goodies.

For traditionalists, colored hard-boiled eggs also dotted the landscape.

Ryan Larsen found the gold egg in the 3-5 age division hunt, and promptly began pedaling the shiny new bike that was hers to claim. She slipped off the seat once, but quickly hopped back on – proving the Easter Bunny wasn’t alone in having a hopping good time at Swinomish Saturday morning.