Kids can’t wait for the sweet treats Easter brings each spring. On the hunt for hidden Easter eggs filled  with tasty treats – from jelly beans to foil-wrapped chocolate favorites – kids gleefully grab all the treasures they can find.

Photo courtesy of Hollister Chamber of Commerce

By Peg Cameron Gill

Whether you celebrate Easter as a religious holiday or a nonsecular one, it marks a happy and hopeful start to spring and a chance to look forward to renewal. 

For many, the annual Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt is a part of Easter tradition. This marks the event’s 37th year for the event, hosted each year by the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce. It will be held on Saturday, April 8 at the Hollister High School football stadium. Gates open at noon.

The Easter Bunny will make a grand entrance atop a fire truck at 12:30 pm, courtesy of the Western Taney County Fire Protection District. Entertainment will be provided before the hunt, as well as in between age group hunts. The different age group hunt times will be 1 pm: ages 1-5, 1:20 pm: ages 6-8, and 1:40 pm: ages 9-11.

Tiffany Stevens, chair of the egg hunt, says the 2023 event will feature the return of the scavenger hunt, a duck pond for the little ones, and some exciting new surprises. Local favorites will also return, like Diskey the Wonder Dog. With tail wags, flips and a flying disc, Diskey’s owner Russ Rosencrans says she acts as an “ambassador of fun and excitement,” catching not just her frisbee but your eye as she sports a fetching red skirt. The Rosencrans and Diskey duo perform for crowds at nursing homes, sporting events, and school assemblies. 

Photo courtesy of Meadows Images

As in previous years, there will be a coloring contest broken down by the same age groups as the egg hunts with prizes for the best entries. You can find the bunny picture for coloring on the back of the flyers handed out before the event at Hollister schools and throughout the community. Flyers will also be available at the Hollister Chamber office located at 2527 S. Business 65 in Hollister.

Kids are encouraged to bring their own baskets. Over 10,000 eggs will be stuffed with either candy or slips good for prizes donated by local Hollister businesses.

The rain or shine event is free to all attendees. Concessions will be available for purchase for a minimal cost. 

Large backdrop banners perfect for posing offer an opportunity for family Easter pictures. Why not plan to outfit your tykes in cute Easter outfits, and snap a few seasonal memories? You can have them show off their candy caches.

Hop on over to Hollister and enjoy an Easter tradition!

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