News

'Eggstravaganza' scramble in Danvers to boast 3,200 eggs

By Ethan Forman
Staff writer
Published: March 11, 2008

DANVERS — The Danvers Church of the Nazarene promises so many Easter eggs strewn on its lawn Sunday, and so many kids going for them, you would be hard-boiled to call this a hunt when it will be more of a scramble.

"It is actually quite a sight to behold," said the church's lead pastor, Dan Milette, about the 3,200 eggs the church plans to put out for kids. "Basically, when you come here, all the grass the church owns is covered with Easter eggs."

It's expected hundreds of kids will make short work of finding the eggs during the "Eggstravaganza," now in its 13th year.

Last year, it took 200 children just 10 minutes to snatch them all up at the church, 181 Dayton St., in the Hathorne neighborhood.

The event, which is free to the public, starts at 10:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and a Palm Sunday service.

Registration starts at noon, and children through grade five will start going for the eggs at 12:30 p.m. Some eggs have small toys in them, which finders can exchange for prizes.

To keep the big kids at bay, those 6 and younger will pick up eggs on one side of the church's property, while those ages 7 through 12 will hunt for eggs on the other.

Registered participants will also be entered to win a grand prize, with a drawing at 1 p.m.

"I can't give it away," Milette said of the prize, "but the kids will enjoy it."

There will also be games, face-painting and refreshments. Kids will also get helium balloons.

Milette said he hopes the day will help some shed negative stereotypes about church they may have been harboring since childhood.

There will be limited at-the-door registrations available, so it is best to register in advance, Milette said. You may call 978-777-2060 or go to www.danverschurch.org/eventregistration.html.