Easter egg hunts and parties will keep kids hopping

Be careful where you step this weekend.

There will be Easter Eggs aplenty hidden in the tall grass, among the daffodils, behind rocks, buried in mulch and just about everywhere else you look in the metro-east. So get the kids’ Easter baskets ready and let them join the fun at any of these fun events:

EGGS AND KITES— Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5694 will hold its annual Easter egg hunt and kite flying contest at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the post, 1900 VFW Road in Highland. The free event is open to the public and will be held regardless of the weather. Egg hunters will be divided into three age groups, 1-3, 4-6, 7-10. Children need to bring their own kites. There will be a contest for smallest and highest flying homemade kite. The event is being held in honor of Maria Deibert, who was in charge of the event for 10 years after taking it over from her father, Tommy Steinmann.

OPERATION KIDSAFE— Kids can hunt Easter eggs, get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny and participate in a free digital and photo safety program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at George Weber Chevrolet, 701 Old State Route 3 in Columbia. The free indoor egg hunt (for ages 10 & under) starts at noon. There also will be car seat safety checks, bike safety demonstrations and free helmets, animals available for adoption, free hot dogs, a craft table, free chair massages for parents and free face painting for kids. Here’s how Operation KidSafe works: It captures your child’s picture and fingerprints using a digital video capture device. The data is assembled in a printout given to parents. The only record of the visit will go home with parents.

O’FALLON ASSEMBLY OF GOD — The free community event, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, boasts 12,000 eggs just waiting to be found. It also includes four inflatables, a live petting zoo, prizes, bicycle and basket giveaways, candy, cotton candy, sno cones and games. Cody Byrns, an experienced children’s entertainer, will perform. Food and concessions will be available for purchase.

CASEYVILLE EASTER PARTY — The Easter Bunny has been stopping in Caseyville for the past 25 years. This year’s party is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Caseyville Community Building, 909 S. Main St. Admission is free. Kids can play lots of games, with tickets four for a $1. Pictures with Easter Bunny are $4. Hot dogs, tuna, chips, soda will be provided. It’s presented by the Caseyville Fire Department Auxiliary.

GATEWAY GRIZZLIES — Take me out to the ballpark to hunt eggs at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The 14th annual free hunt is at GCS Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd. in Sauget. Gates open at 9 a.m. 10,000 eggs will be in play for six age groups. Concessions will be available and there will be giveaways, more. Free event. Information: 618-337-3000 or gatewaygrizzlies.com.

STERLING BAPTIST — Crafts, games, giveaways and an Easter egg hunt are in store for the kids at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sterling Baptist Church, 9204 Old Bunkum Road in Fairview Heights. Call Terenda at 618-397-4365 for information.

WASHINGTON PARK — Kids from 1 to 12 years old can hunt eggs from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Tom Qualls Washington Park Mini Park, 5600 Forest Blvd. in Washington Park. It’s sponsored by WPEO Inc. Donations of candy eggs, toys, Easter baskets are being sought. Call 618-722-0348.

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 5:28 AM with the headline "Easter egg hunts and parties will keep kids hopping."