MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- On a beautiful Easter morning, families aboard station gathered at the Torii Pines Golf Pro Shop for an Easter egg hunt here April 8, 2012.
In the event, the children searched for more than 7,000 eggs, with a select few considered to be golden eggs.
In each age group, there were one or two special golden eggs. The lucky children who found these eggs received a basket filled with Easter goodies. The baskets had gifts such as yard games, footballs, Frisbees and various candies.
“I was so happy when I found a golden egg,” said Harlie G. Rios, 6, golden egg finder. “I was running and when I went next to the tree I looked down and there it was.”
The children were divided into age groups so all ages would have a reasonable chance to find the eggs.
“We have divided the children into age groups because we want it to be fair,” said Eugene Clark, Marine Corps Community Services director of youth activities. “There are plenty of eggs for them to find and if they can’t find them or they get here late, we will give them their own personal little hunt off to the side.”
Inside of each egg there were delicious treats ranging from jellybeans to caramel-filled chocolates.
Not only was there an Easter egg hunt, but kids could also get their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, who appeared shortly after the first round of egg hunting.
“Having the Easter Bunny come out is great for the kids,” said Becky A. Vest, participating parent. “It’s a beautiful day, the kids are having fun, they get to run around, find all the eggs and take pictures with the Easter Bunny and make great memories with their parents.”
It was easy to see that all the children were having a great time, whether they were scoping out the next batch of eggs in order to spot the golden one, or running as fast as they could to grab a basket full of eggs.
“We are in the business of making kids happy. That’s what it’s all about,” said Clark. “That’s my job, I love it, and I intend to do it the best I can for the kids.”