Photos by Marie Mccolm The Easter Bunny appeared at the Easter Egg Hunt on March 29 in Center. Center Police Department Chief of Police Aaron Fresquez, left, poses for a photo with a golden egg prize recipient at the Easter Egg Hunt on March 29 in Center.

CENTER — On Friday, March 29, the Center Police Department and Jennie Doran held an Easter Egg Hunt for residents of Center. The hunt was originally scheduled at the Center Town Community Park but was moved to the Center Consolidated School District. A reason was not given for the change in venue.

Approximately 85 people were at the event. CPD Chief Aaron Fresquez kicked off the hunt.

“We are going to do this in age groups, so that we can let the little ones get some stuff first, and then start moving up, so that way it’s fair for everyone,” he said. “Ages 1-4, we will line you up here, ages 5-8 please line up also, but on the other side. All our kids older than that will be behind us. We will let the little kids go first and do everything separately, at separate times. We are doing it this way so that we can all watch everyone enjoy the hunt.”

Chief Fresquez explained that there would be golden eggs in every hunt.

“If you get a golden egg, you will win an Easter basket,” he said.

Fresquez then lined up the children and the first age group began the hunt. Little ones along with their parents could be seen picking up multicolored eggs and putting them in baskets or totes. Parents could also be seen helping smaller children pick up eggs. The children were excited, and they giggled and laughed as they ran for the eggs.

All three age groups were called up to hunt eggs, and everyone watched and helped the children fill their baskets. The children were excited to see the Easter Bunny, who was bouncing all over the grass and dancing as the children picked up eggs.

After the hunt, the children gathered near a canopy with the Center Police Department logo on it to turn in their golden eggs. Volunteers and Chief Fresquez happily gave out the baskets to the children.

There were also eggs that had slips in them, and the children were told they could take them to the Methodist Church to receive prizes.

Hunter Trujillo, 3, attended the Easter Egg Hunt with his father, Derrick Trujillo, and was all smiles picking up eggs with his dad. Derrick said that Hunter was excited to participate.

“He has really had a lot of fun,” Derrick said. “He’s excited to be here. We are excited to enjoy this out here in Center. This is our first egg hunt. I think it’s exciting that the town of Center is doing this for the kids.”