Jane Easter Egg Hunt this Sunday

Youngsters, ages 11 to 18, can have fun flying kites this year at the third annual Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt in Jane.
The event, organized by the Jane Preservation Society, will include the traditional Easter egg hunt for young children, an Easter bonnet contest and a demonstration of old-fashioned egg-dyeing practices.
There’s even an old-fashioned boil, said Jane Preservation Society board member Gayla Baker.
The event will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 10, on Old White Rock School property, West State Highway 90 and Rains Road.
Nearly 100 people gathered last year to celebrate spring and bring a sense of normalcy to the community.
Once again this year, the organizers are hoping for sunny skies and mild weather for the spring event.
Many participated last year, but organizers noticed that young people over 10 years old didn’t have much to do. So this year they decided that this age category could have a kite contest. Prizes will be awarded for the highest flyer and best design, Baker said.
This year, the Village of Jane and the White Rock Fire Protection District are joining in the fun. Together, the three entities will host activities for all ages.
Children 10 and under can participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic eggs with candies will be scattered all over the field. Some eggs will have money. Twenty-five one-dollar bills will be strewn among the eggs, Baker said.
Those wishing to show off their Easter bonnets will have the opportunity to do so at an Easter Bonnets Parade. The contest will have two categories, consisting of 18 and under and 19 and over.
Demonstrators will be on hand to show how to color eggs the old fashioned way. And those who want to eat a good hard-boiled egg can color it first or just eat it, Baker said. In the old days, people would light a large iron kettle and roast the eggs for an egg feast. They can’t have an open flame, so Baker brings 15 dozen hard-boiled eggs to color and eat.
The event is free and open to the public. Baker said she thinks the annual event is great for neighbors.
“We don’t charge anything. It’s something fun for people to get together.” For information, call Baker at 417-592-7918.
Photo by Sally Carroll/Special for McDonald County Press Mary Bell Banks, far left, wears an award-winning Easter hat, adorned with dangling Easter eggs during the Jane Preservation Society’s Easter Egg Hunt last year. Banks won her category for contestants over 18. Banks said she was surprised to have won, as it was her first appearance.