It’s time to hunt for Easter eggs!

o Columbia Ridge Senior Living egg hunt and brunch 2300 W Ninth St., Washougal. Brunch runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m, the egg hunt is from 1 to 2 p.m. RSVP by Wednesday for brunch. For more information, call 335-1238. o Easter day hunt at Crown Park Northeast Everett Street and 17th Avenue, will be held rain or shine Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. Candy and prize filled eggs will be hidden in designated egg hunting areas for children in age groups including 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-12. Participants should bring their own basket or bag. For more information, call Camas Parks and Recreation at 834-5307. o Egg hunt at Hathaway Park The hunt will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at 2451 "G" St., in Washougal. There will be candy and prize-filled eggs for ages 2-12. For more information, call the Washougal Eagles at 835-9653. o Harvest Community Church The community is invited to attend the neighborhood Easter egg hunt at the church, 2436 N.W. Astor St., in Camas. The event for will be held at 10 a.m. sharp on Saturday. For more information, call 834-4081. o Vancouver Farmers Market A hunt will be held Saturday, at Esther Short Park, 610 Esther St., in Vancouver at 10 a.m. There will be hunts for age groups including birth-3, 4-8 and 9-12. Attendees are asked to bring a can of food. o Easter Egg Hunt for Acceptance of All Abilities This free event, which is open to those with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities or special needs of any type and their families, will include an Easter egg hunt, resource fair and entertainment. It will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, at McKenzie Stadium, 2205 N.E. 138th Ave., Vancouver. For more information , visit www.autismempowerment.org. If not for an army of volunteers, Krista Bashaw estimates it would take her two weeks to stuff the 10,000 eggs for the Camas Parks and Recreation annual Easter egg hunt. "That's a lot of work time," Bashaw, recreation coordinator, said. "The volunteers are instrumental in the success of the egg hunt." The partnership began several years ago, when Steve Overton, a leader of Boy Scout Troop 562, approached the city and asked if they'd be interested in having his troop help stuff eggs. Soon after, he coordinated with the Washington School for the Blind to get the students there involved in the effort. "He wanted to help them do something to contribute to the community," Bashaw said. "They do a great job and are so excited to do so." The volunteers receive pizza and some extra candy to take home. "Without their help, we couldn't stuff that many eggs," Bashaw said. The Camas hunt is just one of several taking place across the area this weekend. The Washougal Eagles Club, Columbia Ridge Senior Living, Vancouver Farmers Market and Harvest Community Church in Camas will also offer community-wide hunts. Columbia Ridge is new to the Easter egg hunt tradition, and is also offering an Easter brunch for $7, photos with the Easter bunny, kids activities and prizes. "We are hosting it this year per request of our residents," said Ashima Ram, community outreach director. "They enjoy multi-generational events." Popcorn and ice cream will be served during the event. It will be the 24th year for the Camas Parks and Recreation Easter Day egg hunt at Crown Park. "We encourage everyone to come and enjoy, and make new memories with their families," Bashaw said. "We are such a fortunate community to have the support of our City Council and staff to ensure we have these kinds of special events." The hunt begins at 1:30 p.m., rain or shine. Due to limited parking, attendees are encouraged to arrive by 1 p.m. and be prepared to walk a few blocks. "Last year, we had well over 1,000 children participate," Bashaw said. "We expect the same this year. The eggs are gone in five minutes, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to park." Festivities will also include a visit with the Easter Bunny, and the traditional Easter bonnet and contemporary hat contest. Sir-Launch-a-Lot, the egg launching robot, will be on hand to kick off the festivities. The robot was built by members of the Camas-Washougal FIRST Robotics Club. "My favorite part of the egg hunt is when the kids are running all around, collecting eggs," Bashaw said. "You hear their exuberance and their excitement while finding the eggs and collecting them." Suzan Hawkins, of the Washougal Eagles Club, has been volunteering at the annual hunt at Hathaway Park for 14 years. The club has had the hunt for 16 years. "I love kids and I'm a grandma myself," she said. "It's so nice to see their smiles. All of my grandchildren come out and volunteer, too."

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