In Arlington, kids make fast work of Easter egg hunt

ARLINGTON — The eggs hidden in the fields of the Arlington Airport were blue, green and yellow. Hundreds of children waited impatiently behind the yellow tape for the signal so they could run and grab as many as they could.

Three-year old Kaylee Sapp, who also was celebrating her birthday party Saturday, stood with her mom, Katherine Brodland. They had found Brodland’s coworker, Lisa Navarrete, and her daughter, Elena, in the crowd.

When asked how many Easter eggs she wants, Kaylee showed four fingers. Elena, however, wanted more.

“I want five eggs,” 4-year-old Elena said.

There were three fields for different age groups ranging from 3 years old to those under 12. An organizer counted down from 10 through a loudspeaker. When the countdown reached zero, the children and some of their parents quickly started picking up eggs.

If you blinked, you missed it.

“I think that under a minute all the eggs were gone,” Leilani Estrada, 8, said.

The event has been held at the Arlington Airport for least six years. It was sponsored by the city and Arlington United Church.

It was one of at least 14 egg hunts held Saturday around the Snohomish County.

In Arlington, 20 volunteers spent three hours hiding 10,000 plastic eggs that contained candy and toys. And some of them contained $20 gift certificates from Walmart, city’s recreation manager Sarah Lopez said.

After the hunt ended, families counted their loot, took pictures with the Easter Bunny and gathered around one of the city’s fire trucks. Volunteers gave out free cookies and hot chocolate.

“The best part is just watching how they clear up the field in 10 seconds,” said Michaela Lewis, of Everett, who came with her boyfriend and four children.

Her daughter, 6-year-old Ema, claimed nine eggs, making it a good day.

She was hoping to reach 20 eggs, the same number she got a year ago.

“I like Easter and I like candy,” Ema said.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@ heraldnet.com.