EVART — Thousands of children and their parents are expected to converge in Evart this Easter to collect as many eggs as possible during the third annual Easter Egg Drop.
About 16,000 colorful plastic eggs will be dropped from the sky at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, by plane at the Evart Municipal Airport, located off of U.S. 10. Last year, about 12,000 eggs were distributed, but the need for more has grown as the event has become larger and more popular.
"We've had people coming in from Reed City, Clare, Harrison, Saginaw and beyond," said Evart Local Development Finance Authority Director Melora Theunick. "It's a lot of fun and it's nice to see the people having fun."
The Easter Bunny also will make a stop on his busy bunny trail to greet attendees, and cookies and punch will be served beginning at noon.
The event is co-sponsored by the LDFA, the Evart Chamber of Commerce, Evart Downtown Development Authority, the Evart Moose Lodge and the City of Evart. In addition, the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce and Reed City merchants are playing a part in the drop.
"We want this to be an Osceola County event," Theunick said. "It's great to collaborate and we couldn't do this all on our own."
Three drops will accommodate different age groups up to age 12. The eggs will be filled with candy, prizes and other goodies for children to savor. A golden ticket will be hidden in one of the eggs for a lucky finder. The child who discovers the golden ticket will receive a prize.
"I love seeing everybody happy and having fun," Theunick added. "Children also have the opportunity to look at the plane and parents can take pictures of their kids with the pilot."
In case of rain, the event will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Handicap parking is available and eggs will be distributed to participants who use a wheelchair or cannot directly go out into the field.
As costs continue to rise each year to accommodate all egg seekers, Theunick always is looking for additional Easter Egg Drop sponsors. Those who wish to contribute can send a check to P.O. Box 688, Evart, MI 49631.
"Anyone who is interested, we would appreciate their support," she said.
