Although the temperature was unseasonably cold, the annual Easter egg hunt at the Syracuse Community Center kicked off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday as planned. The gathered children were separated into three age groups: 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10 years old, prior to being turned loose into their designated search areas.

The event, sponsored by the Syracuse VFW Post 1342 and the Syracuse Community Center, provided 2,400 eggs for the hunters, along with a hot dog lunch, clowns and, of course, the Easter Bunny. According to Melissa Smith of the VFW, they put together 250 goodie bags in anticipation of the kids. Along with receiving ten cents for each egg collected, each child was provided with the goodie bag filled with sweet treats.

Smith added that three special eggs were hidden for each age group. The lucky finders of the special eggs also received an Easter basket filled with prizes and sweets. She said that each year, 10-15 volunteers from the VFW and community center help to put the event together. Along with the $240 in dimes they hand out, each grand prize basket is valued between $10-20. The event has taken place at the community center since the building was completed around 13 years ago. Prior to that, it took place at the VFW, a space Smith said the event outgrew.

By all appearances, the children didn’t mind the cold weather and were excited to have the opportunity to participate in this annual inauguration of spring.