Hundreds of youngsters, collection strategies rehearsed with parents and grandparents, were out in force Saturday morning eager for a chance to grab handfuls of treats during the Kinsmen Club's Easter Egg Hunt at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre.

It's been three years since NOTL attracted such an enormous youthful influx – the egg hunt hasn't been held since 2019, and that year rain forced it indoors.

Not this time, as large groups of kids three and under, four to six, and seven and over patiently gathered for the countdown to the mayhem that is the egg hunt.

They literally hit the ground running to pick up the scores of eggs that Kinsmen Club members had just deposited minutes before on the grassy field near the Old Town firehall.

The morning kicked off with the Niagara Nursery School's much-loved Bunny Trail, a fundraiser for the school. 

Balloon animals were a clear favourite, as families lined up for half an hour to get their one-of-kind blow-up treats. 

Races, bubble blowing, an egg-cellent Easter-themed bake sale and the chance to meet the nursery school's new bunny, "Eggs," were among the other highlights of the day.

But ultimately, it was the thrill of the hunt for eggs that everyone, young and old, seemed to be there for. And, based on the satisfied smiles and children's laughter, it was a mission happily accomplished.  

Gallery of photos by Dave Van de Laar. Video by Kevin MacLean.