By Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — Children gathered for Easter eggs last weekend.
Held the day before the official holiday, the Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Boyd’s Pharmacy and the Florence Township Fire Department, is a longstanding tradition in the community.
The Easter Egg Hunt was at the H. Kenneth Wilkie Park on Front Street March 30.
Boyd’s Pharmacy proprietor L. Clark Boyd III said there was a good turnout this year. He said, “We have to keep the tradition going.”
Florence fire Chief Keith Scully said on Tuesday that it has been at least a decade that the two groups have been sponsoring the Easter egg hunt jointly.
”It’s well put together,” Chief Scully said. “The fire company and Boyd’s Pharmacy work well together.”
In 1998, L. Clark Boyd III and his wife, Carolann Boyd, took over the Boyd Pharmacy family business.
According to the Boyd couple, the egg hunt was started in 1986.
Residents were out and about with baskets in hand to hunt for eggs including the local squirrels last Saturday morning — who even helped themselves to a few eggs.
”It brings everybody out together,” said Burlington resident Joann Gernet.
Ann Smith, of Florence, recalled the times she brought her children to the annual event and noted that she was now bringing her granddaughter, Amanda Dressler, 6.
”It’s been a great thing for Florence Township,” Ms. Smith said. “It’s a beautiful day today.”
”I like the golden eggs,” said granddaughter Amanda.
”Last year was awesome and we are here again this year,” said Humberto Solis, of Bordentown Township, who attended the hunt with his family.
According to his wife, Theresa Solis, this is the egg hunt the kids “wait for” each spring.
The highlight for his son is the anticipation before the hunt.
”The patience of waiting until you get to run (is my highlight),” said son Humberto Solis Jr., 10,
Upon arrival at the park, each child received a goody bag filled with a variety of candy including some peeps, chocolate eggs and jelly beans.
”I thought the age groups were divided well,” Mr. Boyd said.
Ralph Mullenax, of Florence, and Toby Houseworth organized the event along with Caron Puccio, of Florence. Ms. Puccio’s parents own Boyd’s Pharmacy.
”I just love it,” said Mr. Mullenax.
He said it takes four to five hours to set up to set up the 1,800 eggs which are filled with jelly beans.
”It’s over within 15 minutes,” Mr. Mullenax added.
The kids were divided this year into three age groups — zero to three years old, four to six years old, and seven to ten years old.
The event’s highlight is “the kids” said Mr. Mullenax.
And “watching them go for the eggs” Ms. Boyd added.
”I do like the Easter egg hunt,” said Kassidy Gernet, 6, of Burlington.
Kassidy added her favorite part is “finding the eggs.”
There were prize eggs with special treats hidden throughout the area — five fifth-places, four fourth-places, three third-places, two second-places and one first-place for each age group, according to Mr. Puccio. There were 15 prizes for each age group.
Prizes ranged from large stuffed animal bunnies, two pound chocolate bunnies to chocolate bunnies ranging in various sizes, he said.
Melanie Fulmer, 6, of Florence, found a star egg.
”She is very happy and proud,” said mom Heather Fulmer, of Florence.
”You always want to be the kid that finds that golden egg,” Ms. Fulmer said.
The Easter Bunny, played by Susan Meo, arrived on the Florence Township Fire Department antique ladder truck driven by former fire Chief Albert Jacoby.
Ms. Boyd said in reference to the pharmacy’s longstanding partnership with the Fire Department, its a “great relationship.”
However the egg hunt was presented with a bit of a challenge from the squirrels.
While volunteers hid the eggs for eager children early morning, the squirrels were also out — seeking the eggs.
Mr. Boyd said, “We spent most of the morning chasing squirrels.”
”They actually ate through the eggs,” said Ms. Boyd as she pulled out her phone to show a photo of one of the plastic eggs.
”Everybody had a good time as usual,” Ms. Boyd added.
”This is a great community event,” said Jenean Swain, of Florence. “We come every year. The kids love it.”
As people were leaving the egg hunt, the Boyd family wished folks a “Happy Easter.”
”We are real happy that the sun came out and the weather is beautiful,” Mr. Boyd said. “It looks like Spring has finally arrived at the Easter Egg Hunt.”
