Hutto’s big hunt attracts thousands, kids and adults alike
HUTTO — Lured by at least 50,000 filled plastic eggs, an estimated crowd of 3,000 attending the Hutto Egg Hunt April 13 found plenty of “egg-citement,” officials said.
The annual event, held at Adam Orgain Park at 1001 CR 137, attracted a larger crowd than previous years, according to Parks Director Jeff White.
“The event featured not only the traditional kids' egg hunt but also an adult egg hunt and a specially designed adaptive egg hunt, ensuring everyone could participate,” White said.
The adaptive hunt became part of the event two years ago, White said. “It’s an opportunity to welcome and include anybody that wants to or has special needs for hunting eggs,” said White, adding the city partnered with Mindcolor Autism in Pflugerville to help accommodate all groups.
In addition to acres of eggs spread across the Brushy Creek Amphitheater grounds, the event offered games, face painting, vendor booths and photos with a costumed bunny. With so many people, the park was buzzing.
“It’s really nice. Bigger than I thought it would be,” said 11-yearold Keiah Diaz.
“It’s pretty cool. There’s a lot of eggs. I’m going to try to get as many as I can,” added her brother Jaiden, 14.
“This looks fun. I was not expecting this many people,” said mom Kristyne Watley, holding 2-year-old Emberly as they waited for the signal to start the hunt.
“We’re very excited. It’s his first time,” said Elijah Nava, who brought 2-year-old Nathan. “There’s a lot of people. I’m pretty sure he’s going to have a good time.”
The city designated a small area slightly away from the crowd for the adaptive egg hunt, and another small area portioned off for toddlers ages 4 and under.
The big field was divided into different areas for different ages above 4, but once the crowd got the green light, they rushed out en masse to grab as many eggs as possible, with the adults holding extra bags to help the kids.
After the adrenalinefueled kids’ free-for-all, it was the adults’ turn to play.
Parks Department employees spread 5,000 eggs over a smaller area and grown-ups lined the field ready to sprint and grab the goodies.
There were 70 special prizes hidden among the eggs for the older crowd.
Friends Careese Vieregge, Jessica Miller and LaToya Collins-Jones came wearing comfortable shoes and ready to participate in the 21-and-up egg hunt for the first time.
“We decided we wanted to be outside and get out of our daily routine. The kids get to have all the fun, so we decided why not?” Vieregge said.
