S.A.E. Hosts Easter Egg Hunt
Devin Martin
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Diversions
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On Saturday, Apr. 11, Prescott was proud to host the 12th annual Easter egg hunt at the courthouse square despite a persistent drizzle. Put on by Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Arizona Delta chapter and supported by both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Student Government Association and the City of Prescott, the Easter egg hunt has become something of a legend among the people of Prescott.
Started by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon colony in 1997, the event has grown in size each year, but its goal remains the same: to host an event that is family-oriented, free, and fun.
In addition to the hunt each year, members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon have run a silent auction or raffle with prizes donated from local businesses. Even in the face of a troubled economy, companies like Fry's, Taco Bell, and Old Navy came through by donating coupons, gift cards, and redeemable tickets for this year's auction. The money made from the auction or raffle is donated to local charities.
Participants were able to participate in many carnival-style games at the hunt that gave the courthouse square a light and jovial atmosphere despite the dark skies above them. Among the games there were egg toss and egg race competitions. Children and adults alike got the chance to compete for prizes; some won, others got egg on their face, but all had a good time.
The featured activity was the egg hunt itself. Dozens of children lined the boundary ropes, anxious to get in and gather as many eggs as possible. As the moment drew ever nearer, the excitement in the air was nearly tangible as the crowd grew. Soon, the entire area was filled with families waiting anxiously.
When the ropes fell, excitement grew into giddy pandemonium. Children of all ages flooded the egg-covered grass, grabbing eggs left and right. The rain could not stop these happy adventurers, and almost as soon as the hunt started, it ended; every last egg was collected. Lines soon formed at trade tables, where collectors could trade their loot for bags of candy and other prizes.
Augustine Tran, the main organizer of the event and a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, felt "It was worth the work because we got to see all the children happy and excited for the holiday. We didn't think the event would go this well, with the rain ruining the party, but it really went off without a hitch. I am happy with how it turned out."
Of course, the Easter Bunny himself made an appearance at the event, played b y Jake Theander, another brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
"Being in the bunny suit was nothing short of amazing," he stated after his third visit to the carnival area, "I got to see the bright smiles on the children's faces, and that really made me feel good."
If you missed the fun of the Easter Egg Hunt this year, you can always catch it next year on the Saturday before Easter. This tradition will surely continue keeping the community and ERAU students close.
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