By Tim Bullard

Staff Writer

tbullard@yadkinripple.com

Like Kentucky Derby colts ready to bolt, it was almost impossible to keep electrified kids from an early jump at the First Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the new Yadkinville City Park.

Gaye Baity with the Branch Bakery and Sweet Shop did it on a volunteer basis at the first Easter egg hunt at the new park.

“I love it. I love hiding the eggs,” she said. “I’ve done it for grandkids and my kids. We always made it a big deal. We did Easter bonnet parades and hunts. It was always a big family to-do when my mom was alive. So I continue the tradition.”

The tradition also means a little good-natured competition to determine which child is the best Easter egg hunter.

“I think it’s more about the competition. I think it’s about finding the most eggs and finding the most eggs and finding the prize egg. The prize egg is a four-ounce solid chocolate bunny.”

Luke Bates, 4, was waiting in line for to meet the Easter Bunny with his number 45 jersey.

Anyia Gonolez enjoyed getting candy and meeting the bunny.

Cora Willard and Katie Dalton waited in line for their turn. Sophia Pyles, 3, was very excited to take part.

Mason Pulliam was in a good mood when he met the bunny with his sister, Jasmine, a student at Yadkinville Elementary School. Mark Pavlansky had his daughter, Caitlyn, 2.

Lora Greene said, “I think it’s great. I think it’s great to get the kids involved and get the community involved. It’s a great day to be out here.”

Sheila Weathers works for the town, and she said, “I think it’s great for the community to come together and do something for the kids.” She was volunteering, marking up signs.”

Linda Cleary, park caretaker, said, “I hope it turns out good.” She reminds locals to take care of the park and not litter or vandalize.

Hayden Moody, seven, said, “I like Easter egg hunts.” His plan was to “speed like a bee.”

“I think it’s an awesome event,” said Paula Casstevens with SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now.

The 2010 Yadkin SCAN Advisory Board includes Carolyn Choplin, Chris Brown, Cindi Dixon, Jim Drum, Valerie Zachary, Lora Greene, Tonya Goad, Steven Hodge, Barbara Moore, Yvonne Walker, Dr. Tammy Vannoy, Anne Willard, Becky Smith and Dina Johnson.

Bella Riddle had the kind of fun a seven-year-old has at an Easter egg hunt.

Lauren Trivette, two, was wearing blue.  Joseph Kissinger was having youthful fun.

Yadkinville City Planner Joseph Sloop was enthusiastic about the new event.

“I’m very excited about this event. The City of Yadkinville has this wonderful facility here, and we really want to utilize it for the community. We’re really excited. We hope to have a lot of people come out and enjoy this beautiful park. The town board, the mayor and our old town manager were able to push for the park and get grants. Plus there was a park committee that helped in the planning. There was a lot of community effort.”

Darah Lusk, 16, enjoyed planting the eggs before the event. “I thought it would be fun to enjoy it with the community. I thought it would be nice to help out.”