ROYALSTON — Under sunny, crystal-clear blue skies, more than 50 children and even more adults were on hand for Royalston’s 20th annual Egg Hunt held on the Royalston Common the day before Easter.
This year’s event marked the end of an era, as the original organizer, Rene Gagliardi, announced she would be stepping down.
The event began with the traditional “fluffle-wrangling,” an attempt to gather all of the egg hunters in front of the Royalston Town Hall for a group picture and instructions, an endeavor which usually meets with some degree of success.
This year, Gagliardi gave a brief history of the egg hunt, and reported that Sara Dilg was tapped three years ago to take over the leadership of the popular rite of spring.
This year, more than 2,000 candy-filled eggs, and 18 with prize numbers, were scatter across several sections of the sprawling Royalston Common. Children 3 years old and younger were given their own, “kinder and gentler” area, around the war memorial and flag pole in front of Town Hall, while older children made a dash for the farther areas.
Children claiming their prizes were given the opportunity to write their names on their winning certificates – prize winners included: Darla, Karlee F., Gavin Warner, Cody Germain, Madilyn Hermes, Gabriella Henshaw, Peter Thompson, Atticus Bailey, Hailey Cummings, Jaydin Pollock, Gavin Bachmann, Kloey L., Mallory Germain, Clair Campbell and Anya L.
The 18 donated prizes included South Royalston General Store gift certificates, gift certificates for ice cream cones from Friendly’s in Gardner, Gardner Cinema movie tickets and cans of Silly String. Three fuzzy bunny toys were reserved for the under-3-year-old egg hunters.
Gagliardi put out an all-call for plastic eggs several years ago, but reported, with thanks, they now have plenty of eggs.
She also expressed gratitude for those who left donations of candy and money at the South Royalston General Store, the Phinehas S. Newton Library and the Royalston Post Office.
Face painting was offered by Hailey Dilg and Allison Hadmack, who also oversaw the jelly beans in a jar guessing station. Inside Town Hall, an army of adults prepared 20 pounds of chocolate melts and candy molds for candy making.
The process, down to a science, allowed everyone to make and take their baggies of candy in record time.
Thanks to Gordon Morrison and Gail Oswald, there were many photo ops, both inside and outside, with two Easter bunnies.
Many volunteers showed up to help. They included Carol Boudreau, Hailey Dilg, Becky Hadmack and Ashley and Allison Hadmack, who all helped with the planning and execution of the event.
Gagliardi, Linda Alger, Joyce Neale and Nancy Skowronski, known as the South Royalston Breakfast Club, organized the first egg hunt two decades ago. For the next few years, the teen and 4-H clubs, led by Gagliardi, ran the event.
Sara Dilg was tapped three years ago, and has been serving as an apprentice, working with an ever-growing group of volunteers each year.
Initial funding came from Gagliardi, and some years, organizations helped.
Donations of cash, candy, plastic eggs, and this year, prizes, help keep the event fresh. She even purchased new Bunny Rabbit costumes to pass along to use during the next two decades.
Gagliardi, and now Dilg, both hope the event will continue to serve as a way for Royalston families to enjoy a fun, free time, without having to leave their town.
Plans for some new attractions are in the works, including volunteer-made “cut-out boards,” so participants can put their faces through holes for photos.
Donors and volunteers are always welcome and needed. Those interested in helping out are encouraged contact Dilg at 978-249-9928.