City to host annual egg hunt Saturday at Highland Park

Terri Ferguson Smith

tsmith@themeridianstar.com

           

            The city’s annual Easter Egg hunt will bring children and parents to Highland Park on Saturday.

            Brandon Bridges, recreation program supervisor for Meridian Parks and Recreation Department, said this is the first of several events scheduled for the coming weeks.

            The hunt starts at 10 a.m., and as in the past, is expected to go fast as children ages 3-10 scramble for about 3,000 Easter eggs.

            “Once everybody is in place and set, I’ll blow the horn over the loudspeaker and it’s controlled chaos after that,” Bridges said.

            Children will be divided into two groups: ages 3-6 and ages 7-10, Bridges said. There will be a variety of prizes given with special prizes for the gold and silver eggs.                             

            “We have prizes ranging from free cotton candy and popcorn at the carousel, all the way up to our gold and silver prize eggs where were give away a bike and we give away Big Wheel,” Bridges said.

            Everything will be free, except for purchases at the carousel. Carousel rides cost 50 cents. Parents should make sure they bring baskets for their children to use during the egg hunt, Bridges added. Along with the city, Wal-Mart is sponsoring the egg hunt.

            Another community event will be held on the following weekend, Bridges said.

            On April 26, the city will host its annual fishing derby at Q.V. Skyes Park. Registration for this event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and is for children ages 5-17.

            “With over 750 pounds of fish that will be stocked in the pond, this is an event that truly should not be missed. Bring your fishing pole, bring your bait,” Bridges said.

            Joining the city in sponsoring this event are Wal-Mart, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and Coca Cola Bottling Co.

            The city is also preparing for its summer swimming program, Bridges said. Registration for swimming lessons at Highland Park Swimming at the Frank Cochran Center on May 5.

            Registration begins Monday, May 05, 2014 at the Frank Cochran Center.

            There will be two registration sessions to allow the working public an opportunity to enroll their children in the swimming program. The first session is 8-11 a.m. and only 75 percent of the available spaces will be filled during that session. The remaining 25 percent of available spaces will be filled during the 5:30-6:30 p.m. session that same day.

            Fees are:

            City residents: $40, and for a second child/same session-$35; third child/same session-$30,

            Out of city residents: $45; and for a second child/same session-$40; third child/same session $35.

            For more information,call Parks and Recreation at 601-485-1904.