One of the area’s most popular springtime traditions is just around the corner, as the annual Wamac Easter egg hunt will take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, at Wamac City Park.
The Easter egg hunt will once again be divided into three age categories: ages 0 to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12. Guests can begin registering for prize drawings beginning at noon at the park, and the hunt will start at 1 p.m. sharp.
Wamac Mayor Jackie “Butch” Mathus says there will be plenty of fun prizes up for grabs during the event.
“We have 15,000 eggs for this year’s Easter egg hunt, and we have over 700 gift bags to give to the children, and that way every child that attends, they have a chance to have a prize. … We have over 80 bikes so far right now, but what is sorely needed is some Easter baskets and volunteers to help hide the Easter eggs.”
The Easter egg hunt has become a popular event for children from local communities, but, Mathus notes that families from outside the area have also been known to visit Wamac and take part in the festivities.
“We’ve had some families from Oklahoma that come visit family members. They bring their children in, and yeah, it’s far-reaching, and that’s pretty cool. I heard people that came in from St. Louis, one from Kentucky. We have everybody (from) Mt. Vernon, Salem, Vandalia, and all that; I hear all that and I’m like, ‘Wow, I did not realize how far a distance this has grown.”
Mathus says those who are interested in volunteering to help hide eggs and set up for the event are asked to meet at the park at 10 a.m. on the day of the event. People interested in donating an Easter basket for the event can stop by Wamac City Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, except for Tuesday.
