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BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP: Youth enjoy inaugural Easter egg hunt

Over 300 children participated in the hunt, which was for children from 2 to 8 years of age, accompanied by an adult family member or friend.

by Joe Knox, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Last Saturday children from all over the Township and City as well as surrounding areas participated in the first annual Easter egg hunt at Northern Community Park.
   Over 300 children participated in the hunt, which was for children from 2 to 8 years of age, accompanied by an adult family member or friend.
   Prizes awaited eager children in each egg once they were finally allowed to crack them open. The prize was a traditional Easter favorite – jellybeans.
   A total of 800 eggs were hidden for the more than 300 children to find. The hunt was divided into eight different age group areas and in each area one golden egg was hidden as the grand prize for that age group. The grand prize for each age group was an Easter gift basket filled with toys and candy.
   With blaring sirens and flashing lights the Easter Bunny was escorted into the event by the Mission Fire Company. Participating children were able to get their pictures taken with the bunny.
   This was a rain or shine event and fortunately the sun was shining which, for many, had been long awaited for considering this past harsh winter.
   Six-year-old Tyler Brown, of Bordentown Township, said the event was “really fun.”
   Tyler’s mother Lisa Brown, also of Bordentown Township, agreed.
   ”This is a great event put on by the community for the community,” she said.
   Mayor Stephen Benowitz told the Register News the event was a way for the township to live its motto “Bordentown Township, the crossroads of the heart of New Jersey.”
   ”This is one way we like to give back to the community and this is one of many local events for the people of Bordentown Township,” the mayor said.
   Councilwoman Jill Popko shared similar sentiments.
   ”This is a great way for the people to get out and start talking,” Councilwoman Popko said. “These people were here well before the event and will remain well after the event, so it’s more than just an egg hunt, it’s about the community getting together”.
   No pre-registration was required, all the participants needed was to show up with an adult friend and have a basket ready for the collecting. After quick instructions given by the mayor, the children were ready to begin their hunt for Easter eggs.
   There were a large variety of baskets being used for the collecting in this year’s event. Some were intricately made while others were fancy and store bought and some were even just simple bags – as long as they held the eggs any of them worked just fine for the children.
   Alivia Addison, 6, of Bordentown Township, said her favorite part of the hunt was “finding the golden egg.”
   Township officials hoped the event would be succesful enough for it to become an annual tradition for the community to enjoy in the future.
   Many residents, including Rick Braddock, of Bordentown Township, who was there to see a grandchild, hope to see the tradition continue.
   ”We had great weather and a great turn out for a great event,” Mr. Braddock said, noting he has fond memories of the park including being there during the naming ceremony in the ‘80s.
   Mayor Benowitz wanted to remind everyone to continue to come out to township events including the Health and Wellness fair coming up at the Joseph Lawrence Park as well as the Shredder Day at the senior center.
   More information about these events and others can be found on the township website – www.bordentowntownship.com