Lots of egg-citing fun in store for Whidbey

— Created April 1, 2021 by Kathy Reed

By Kathy Reed

Peter Cottontail will almost certainly be hopping down a bunny trail nearby this weekend!

Egg hunts of all kinds have been planned all over Whidbey Island, most of them set for Saturday. Highlights of each of these Easter eggstravaganzas are listed below:

Bunny Trail Egg Scramble:
Saturday, 10 a.m. – Noon
Downtown Coupeville
Preregistration required

Soroptimists International of Coupeville is pleased to continue its longtime Coupeville tradition after the pandemic sidelined it last year.

“The Soroptimists have done the Egg Scramble in the park every year for the last 25 years [prior to the pandemic],” said Janice Vaughan, board member. “I just couldn’t see another year going by without it. This has been a signature project for the Coupeville Soroptimists forever.”

There will be a few changes to the scramble this year due to the pandemic. Participants ages 12 and under will complete a drive-through check-in at Town Park, where participants will pick up their Bunny Pass and then proceed to park in the field adjacent to the library.

“At the first scramble site, they will pick up a clue and then they will go to wherever the clue directs them,” Vaughan explained. “There are 10 different spots and when they pick up their egg, it will give them a clue to the next stop. The Bunny Pass is initialed at each stop and when they have completed all the stops, they bring their pass back to the park. Everyone will at least get a bag full of candy, but there are multiple prizes in all the eggs.”

All stops will be located outside. Masks are required and participants must practice social distancing guidelines.

Participation is limited this year, and children and families must pre-register to take part in the Egg Scramble. The deadline has been extended to noon Thursday (April 1) for Whidbey Weekly readers. To register, please call the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce at 360-678-5434, which is co-sponsoring the event. Donations for Gifts from the Heart Food Bank will also be collected at Town Park. Children may bring their own baskets for collecting eggs, but there are baskets available upon check in.

Vaughan said she has always helped with the Egg Scramble and enjoys the happiness it brings to kids and families.

“I love to see all the kids, their smiling faces,” she said. “I love being a part of making everybody’s day.”

Clinton Drive-Thru Eggstravaganza:
Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
6411 S Central Ave.
Clinton Community Hall Parking Lot

Hop down to Clinton Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some drive through Easter fun.

“While not our traditional Easter egg hunt, there will be eggs, candy, and lots of  goodies for the kids,” said Sheri Gerhard, volunteer chair of marketing and publicity for the Clinton Community Hall. “The Easter bunny will be joining us along with costumed characters manning the tables of the drive thru. Join us for a family activity that works within the COVID guidelines.”

There is no preregistration required for this event, and all participants must remain in their vehicles. Public health safety measures will be followed. When arriving at the Clinton Community Hall, drivers will be directed to the event in the parking lot.

This free event is being organized by the Clinton Community Council, Clinton Community Hall, Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Friends of the Clinton Library.

“During these challenging times to hold events, we want a family event that is fun and SAFE for everyone to enjoy,” Gerhard said.

Easter Egg Hunt:
Saturday, 11 a.m.
Downtown Oak Harbor

Follow the bunny trail north and discover an Easter Egg Hunt in historic downtown Oak Harbor, presented by the Oak Harbor Main Street Association.

To allow for social distancing this year, the event has been moved from Smith Park. Easter eggs will be hidden along Pioneer Way from City Beach Street to Midway and on Fidalgo Avenue, from Dock Street to Hathaway.

The event will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Saturday.

“Volunteers will be stationed at the corners to hold egg hunters at bay until the air horn sounds the beginning of the egg hunt,” explained Margaret Livermore, Oak Harbor Main Street Association interim executive director. “Eggs will be stuffed with candy or trinkets. Some eggs will have golden coins that can be turned in at the Main Street office for a prize.”

Livermore said some businesses are also hiding eggs which will contain special items. Children who recycle their eggs in the bins at the Harborside Village Mall will receive a plastic water bottle while supplies last. OHMSA extends a special thank you to Haggen for donating the candy for the eggs.

There is no preregistration required for this free event. Parents are asked to wait for the blowhorn signaling the beginning of the event before allowing their children to start the egg hunt.

Livermore said organizers hope this event brings a little normalcy to this Easter weekend.

“Oak Harbor Main Street feels that it is important to offer the community an event that allows kids to do what kids like to do – have fun,” she said.

Hoppy Hunting:
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
NAS Whidbey Island

For those with access to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, there will be a self-paced family scavenger hunt to win a prize Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

There will also be a free screening of “Peter Rabbit” at 5:30 p.m. at the Skywarrior Theatre.

This event is free for eligible personnel. Navy health precautions and physical distancing are in effect and participants must have face coverings.

One registration per family is required. Go to myffr.navyaims.com/nwhtml#992193. For information, call 360-257-2432 or email NASWIMWRRecreation.cnrnw@navy.mil.

Neighborhood Hop Egg Hunt:
April 1-13
Various locations on Whidbey Island

For something a little different, but equally sweet, check out the Neighborhood Hop Egg Hunt, put on by Whidbey Island Macaroni Kid and ongoing now through April 13.

“The Neighborhood Egg Hunt Hop is unique because it gives families and businesses the opportunity to be creative, demonstrate spring and egg hunt enthusiasm, and by participating, each person or group is making a cheerful and positive difference for the egg hunters – people they may not ever meet,” said Amy Hannold, Whidbey Island Macaroni Kid publisher.

Here’s how it works: 

Hannold said she hopes this fun activity will inspire some great memories for residents of Whidbey Island.

“Even as we have recently moved to Phase 3, there is a lot of cabin fever, virus exhaustion and reduced spring enthusiasm felt by those in our communities because we still have a ways to go before we can enjoy many of the traditionally anticipated events on Whidbey,” she said. “So, why not give people a reason to get out of their house, give kids and adults a sort of ‘Egg Hunt’ experience, and [give us all] a little more beauty to enjoy as we go about our daily lives.” 

Easter Service and Egg Hunt:
Sunday, 10 a.m.- Noon –
First Reformed Church
250 SW 3rd Ave., Oak Harbor

Attend the 10 a.m. Easter service at First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor and stick around for an Easter egg hunt immediately after.

The hunt is expected to begin around 11:15 a.m. and will be done in groups by age, from 0 to 18. All are welcome.

Easter Egg Hunt and Party:
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Oak Harbor Elks Lodge

The public is welcome to attend this free event put on the by the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. The Easter egg hunt will take place both inside and outside. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Registration is required by Friday. Sign children up to participate by calling 362-675-7111.

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