Easter Egg Hunt Returns to Bogue Flats

For many long time Portland residents, the annual community Easter egg hunt (or mad dash if we want to be more accurate) is a beloved community tradition. This event was sponsored by the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce for quite some time, and in recent years was organized by the Portland Area Ministerial Association (PAMA). A week ago, PAMA members decided to step down from hosting this years event.

That’s when Thomas and Jamie Saint Amour, owners of The Chocolate Moose ice cream parlor, swung into action. “It’s been something our kids enjoyed...it has to go on and we’re going to make it work,” said Jamie Saint Amour. They can’t make it work by themselves though. According to Saint Amour, the goal is to stuff and “hide” over 3000 eggs.

In preparation for the event, organizers are seeking donations of small, wrapped, non-chocolate candy (chocolate melts in the sun and let’s be honest, we’re hoping for sun!), plastic Easter eggs, as well as cash donations to purchase candy and eggs. Donations can be dropped off between now and the 15th at the Chocolate Moose.

Volunteers are also crucial to make this community event happen. St. Patrick Church youth group members have volunteered to stuff the eggs, but more help is still needed. According to Saint Amour, volunteers are needed to be be “egg tossers” (for those of you with a good pitching arm) to help prep for the hunt, as well as “age area supervisors” during the event. In addition, several volunteers are needed to fill the role of “egg sitter.” While that position sounds humorous and evokes images of a Dr. Seuss book character sitting on an egg, Saint Amour says that basically means guarding the eggs between set up at 10 AM and the beginning of the hunt. Volunteers can contact the Saint Amour’s at the Chocolate Moose.

The Easter egg hunt is open to all children from toddlers to 5th grade with separate areas for different age groups. The event will be held at Bogue Flats Recreation Area off Lyons Road in Portland and kicks off at noon on March 31st. Children are encouraged to bring a basket, bucket, or bag to collect eggs.