“Egg-stravaganza” Gets Kids Working Up A Sweat
With Easter baskets in hand, hundreds of people in the Easter spirit rode into Palm Desert Civic Park Saturday to celebrate at the YMCA’s 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt. The fun didn’t stop there. Families also took on a “Healthy Kids Day” challenge.
The event had everything from hurdle races, to rock climbing, even hula-hooping. Dallas Williams, the YMCA program director, said the event was about celebrating the holiday while motivating kids to get out and move.
“The easter egg hunt lasts for about twenty seconds, so instead of just sending them home, we get them to work up a sweat and be active at least for an afternoon,” said Williams.
“I enjoy the fact the kids get to do a lot of physical things. My son did the weightlifting and had a lot of fun!” said Diane Vonkaenel, of Palm Desert.
It wasn’t just the kids swinging away at the activities — but parents too.
“I think the parents have more fun than the kids sometimes,” said Williams.
After bouncing around or wrapping up a game of tennis, many kids rushed to cool down with a snow cone. The event topped off with a raffle. Some lucky winners took home an Ipod, a gift card, or rolled away on a new bicycle.
“I think this is a neat way for the community to get together and have something all the kids can enjoy and take part in for Easter. I think it’s wonderful,” said Jane Abercrombie, of Desert Hot Springs.
For parents and kids who would like to dive into an egg hunt on Sunday, the YMCA will host an “Underwater Hunt” at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. The event begins 1 p.m. It’s open to children 3 to 8 years old and will be held in the shallow pool at the center.
