Ellsworth host annual Easter Egg Hunt

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The annual Ellsworth Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and the 28th Services Squadron, took place at Ellsworth's Base Exchange, March 22.

The event was also coordinated by members of the Black Hills Community Center, who gathered seven volunteers to do face painting.

"This was the first year that I actually had to turn volunteers away," said Chad Canaan, Black Hills Community Center director, "I can't really complain about that."

All Ellsworth families were invited to attend the event, which began with the arrival of the Easter Bunny at noon inside the BX food court.  The arrival of the Easter Bunny caused the formation of a long line around the tables.

The face painting tables also received a steady flow of children who requested a variety of shapes including everything from apples to tiger stripes.

The egg hunt was held outside in the field located between the BX and Sentinel Federal Credit Union.

At 1 p.m., children up to age four lined up to search for eggs; followed by an additional egg hunt for children ages five through nine.

The eggs, which were dispersed randomly on the field, contained candy, coupons for prizes varying from carbonated beverages to baseball caps and a chance for one child from each age group to win a bicycle provided by AAFES.

Even though every child was unable to leave with a new bicycle, the children were all given the same chance to meet the Easter bunny, said Celina Alamos, AAFES military clothing sales store representative.

"I still think the best part of this event is the kids actually being able to meet the Easter Bunny," Ms. Alamos said.

Along with the Easter egg hunt, 28 SVS is also sponsoring numerous activities throughout the spring, including: a Ping-Pong Tournament at the teen center March 25; a Friday Night Fun Night: Easter Fun at the youth center March 28; a video game tournament at the Black Hills Community Center March 28 and a Movie Night and mall trip for teen center members March 28.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the SVS website at www.ellsworthservices.com.