Scenes at an Easter Egg HuntBy Anne McKay Garris
The only launch ramp located on Clearwater Beach is beside the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, at the East End of Bay Esplanade. It's been there a long time, and it's always been an adventure to use. I remember when my Daddy and I launched his little boat there; we worked on opposite sides of the boat and constantly reminded one another to be "very careful." Both of us had experienced the fact that just one second of moving without your weight clearly over your moving foot would land you on some very hard cement. The constantly wet cement of the ramp was slick as ice. The annual Clearwater Beach community Easter Egg Hunt was held on Friday evening at the beautiful little Mandalay Park, next door to the Fire Station. Co-sponsored by the Clearwater Beach Association and the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, the annual celebration welcomes both residents and visitors. Yellow tape cordoned off parts of the park and eager families gathered behind it, waiting for their turn to be called. Each age group was invited to "hunt," starting with the youngest. Actually, because of the number of participants, it was more of a ?"gathering" as young Recreation Center associates sowed plastic Easter eggs across the lawn between each hunt until they were as thick as daisies in a meadow. Right after the six-year-olds had their turn, the startling announcement was made, "Now, people 18 and up, it's your turn." There is, it seems, at this Easter Egg Hunt, a turn for everyone, even the non-children who are young at heart. The older participants hunted just as eagerly and had as much fun as their younger companions. Spectator fun was watching the youngsters on the sidelines, imitating their elders by shouting sideline instructions on where the missed eggs were hiding. The hundreds and hundreds of plastic eggs contained small candies, gum, or coupons for a swim in the Rec Center Pool, as well as treats from local businesses. Some of them held notice of prizes. One mother sat cross-legged on the grass, methodically opening a score of eggs while her little one played merrily with her friends, unconcerned whether or not the plastic eggs held a slip that said, sand toy or Frisbee or some other notice of goodies they had won. One grandmother from Canada reported that their family, including two grandchildren, usually visited Clearwater Beach at this time and always looked forward to the Easter Egg Hunt. Although it was estimated that there were a few less participants this year, no one seemed to have any less fun, and there were no eggs left. Historically, the Clearwater Beach Association co-sponsors the Easter Egg Hunt and sponsors the Community Christmas Caroling in December, right in that same special little park on Mandalay Avenue.
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