THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 23, 1995 TAG: 9504210224
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Every year, the ``Easter Eggstravaganza'' sponsored by the city's Parks and Recreation Department brings out kids and their parents, ready to hunt eggs, play games and enjoy the spring weather.
Last week's event was no different, said Kenny Stuart, city recreation specialist. The weather was gorgeous, and hundreds of kids and parents showed up.
The event for children 8 and younger featured a traditional egg hunt along with games, a petting zoo, contests and a special play by Party Animals Inc., which provides entertainment at special events and parties.
When the Easter Bunny arrived at the park riding atop a Chesapeake firetruck with sirens blaring and lights flashing, the kids were thrilled, to say the least.
``All of these kids were yelling and as excited as they could be,'' Stuart said. ``I saw one little boy just standing there trembling, he was so excited.''
``Most other cities have their egg hunts in a controlled situation and hide their eggs in a sand pile or bale of hay,'' Stuart said. ``We still do it the old fashioned way here: We hide the eggs in a wooded area by the park and let the kids go.''
All the kids were lined up from the park's picnic shelter all the way to the road. When the firetruck let out a blast to start the race, it looked like a kiddie version of the Oklahoma land rush.
``To see all of those kids standing side-by-side, forming a long line through the park, we just said, `Oh my goodness' at the sight,'' Stuart said. ``They were barefootin', and scootin', looking for those eggs.''
Speaking of scooting, several parents and children who were waiting to visit with the Easter Bunny, had to do just that, thanks to a camel with no self-control.
Stuart said the camel ambled near the line of kids and adults and proceeded to answer the call of nature.
``You should have seen all of those people hopping away.''
And finally, Stuart recounts what happened during the special half-hour program performed by Party Animals Inc.
It was a riot.
The program included several actors dressed in the garb of favorite children's television characters including Catwoman and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. But when two Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit the stage, the youthful audience decided to hit back.
``I've been to my share of concerts in the past,'' Stuart said. ``I've seen Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers and many others, but this was something else. When that pink ranger appeared on stage, that's when it all happened.''
About 75 3- to 5-year-olds got loose from their parents and rushed the stage, eager to get their hands on their heroes, Stuart said. Because of the kiddie crush, the rangers had to exit.
``I had to move my way to the front of the stage to keep the kids from those expensive Peavey loud speakers,'' Stuart said with a laugh. ``Hey, next year we may need to use body guards by the stage like at those big rock acts.''
- Eric Feber by CNB