By Jim Newell
Review Editor
ORION TWP. — They were scattered throughout the grass in Children’s Park, on and under the playscape, swings, benches and playground toys and in the cracks and crevices of the rock retaining walls.
The Easter eggs, not the kids.
But around 100 kids and their families were gathered in Children’s Park in downtown Lake Orion on Saturday for the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 233 annual Easter egg hunt.
The kids were led into the park by the Easter bunny and then waited in agonizing anticipation for the signal to begin the hunt.
And when the countdown from 10 seconds reached one there was no need to yell “Go!” – the kids broke into a mad dash to fill their baskets with as many Easter eggs as possible. And while the eggs may not have been laden with a hidden Golden Ticket, the sweet treats inside were enough for the kids.
“It’s really wonderful and heartwarming to see so many children and families participating in our event,” said Bob Gritzinger, commander of SAL 233. “Not too many years ago, this Easter egg hunt attracted a few dozen kids. Now we’re over 100 and growing.”
SAL members, veterans and volunteers filled 1,500 plastic pastel-colored eggs with treats. They were plucked from their hiding places by little hands and placed in Easter baskets in five minutes.
Besides the eggs scramble, kids and their families also got pictures, and hugs, with the Easter bunny. After the egg hunt, families were invited over the American Legion for a pizza and pop party.
“It’s another example of how American Legion Post 233 is an integral and increasingly important part of the Lake Orion community,” Gritzinger said.
Veterans of the post, SAL and Auxiliary members also participate in the Lake Orion Memorial Day Parade, hold the wreath ceremony for veterans lost at sea during the Memorial Day ceremonies, run the Lake Orion Cornhole League and volunteer at community events throughout the year.
For more information on supporting the veterans of American Legion Charlton-Polan Post 233, the Sons of the American Legion and the Auxiliary, visit orionlegion.org or Post 233’s Facebook page.