Eggs-cited for the hunt in Harrison Township

Despite the cold, the annual Harrison Township Easter egg hunt on March 28 drew about 1,000 people, according to Sharon Chew, of the township’s recreation commission.

“It was super cold and windy,” said Chew, “but it went really well. The kids had a great time with running around and finding eggs. It was all done within an hour due to the weather.”

As a special surprise, recereation commission member and resident Ray Marcolongo placed two golden eggs for each hunt at the William Wilt Soccer Complex. The hunts were split into age groups and the two kids who found the golden eggs were able to redeem them for chocolatea bunnies as the park’s gazebo.

“He went to the Candy Box, bought the bunnies himself and gave the kids the chocolate bunnies himself,” Chew said of Ray Marcolongo.

The event was a collaborative effort among several township departments. The commission began setting up at 9 a.m. the day of the hunt, while police helped place the eggs around the park. The fire department escorted the Easter bunny, who offered free photos of himself with participants.

Members of the township committee were also on hand, and Harrison Mayor Adam Wingate addressed the crowd to kick things off. Also there were representatives of the Mullica Hill ShopRite, who gave out snacks and water; and the local food pantry, Your Place at the Table (YPATT), which collected non-perishable items that amounted to about 360 pounds of food.

“We’re so grateful to Harrison Township Recreation Commission and everyone who donated to YPATT at this weekend’s egg hunt,” the pantry posted on social media. “Our mission of nourishing our neighbors in need is possible through your generosity. Also, a shoutout to the Harrison Township Police Department, Harrison Township Fire Department and Brown’s Market Mullica Hill ShopRite.

“We’re filled with gratitude for our amazing community.”

“It was both a fun day,” said Chew, “and a day to help people.”