Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Photos by Frank T. Kocsis III, student photographer
About 200 children enjoyed Sunday's Wildcat Egg Hunt on Penn College's main campus, a return to the level of participation that preceded the two years lost to COVID-19.
As the morning chill gave way to a beautiful early-spring day, youngsters – cheered on by 100 parents and guests – gathered the 3,500 eggs scattered by the Student Veteran Organization.
Stylin' right down to the pacifier, a Carhartt-hatted hunter already has his hands full.
"I am amazed every year how fast it goes. It took about an hour to 'hide' the eggs ... and it took the kiddos about five minutes to scoop them all up," said Chet Beaver, coordinator of veterans and military services. "I think we will raise the number next year based on the turnout."
That may not be the only change: Since 2024 will mark the 10th anniversary of the very first Wildcat Egg Hunt, Beaver hinted "we will have to add something special."
Open to children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of students and employees, the hunt is split into three age groups: 7-10 (all around the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center), 4-6 (on the Thompson Professional Development Center lawn) and 3 and under (outside The Victorian House).
"It looked like the 0-3-year-old group had the most new members," Beaver said, which bodes well for a "bunch more years" of the popular event. This year's event was moved from Saturday to Sunday due to the threat of inclement weather.
A resurgent event proves timelessly perfect for family fun.
A tumble for the taking
A boy relishes the thrill of the chase.
The littlest fingers get a helping hand.
Maximum enthusiasm in a Minnie-mum hoodie
Dressed for warmth and built for speed
Basket in hand, a surefooted searcher strides along.
First the signal, then the sprint!
The rocks around the Veterans Fountain offer a convenient place to assess the day's sweet haul.
Sometimes, it's about the two-fisted retrieval ...
... and sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the chocolate.
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