Modified event will utilize White Horse Park in three shifts

By Greg Ellison

(March 11, 2021) Although unable to sponsor its Easter events because of coronavirus health safety restrictions, Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks will hold three rounds of Easter egg hunts on Saturday, April 3 in White Horse Park.

Recreation Supervisor Katie Goetzinger said families with children ages 10 and under can call 410-641-7052 to reserve a spot for one of the egg hunts.

“We’re not taking more than 100 people for each egg hunt,” she said.

Three half-hour rounds of egg hunts are scheduled from 11-11:30 a.m., 12-12:30 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m.

“For the first egg hunt at 11, there is already 100 people signed up for it,” she said.

The roster remains lighter for the pair of remaining time slots.

“The second and third egg hunt, we don’t have anymore than 20 people signed up for yet,” she said.

There is no cost to register for the Easter egg hunt in White Horse Park.

While the department is unable to sponsor the usual Easter games and crafts, Goetzinger said the egg hunts made the cut by making use of the White Hose Park campus.

“We’re going to go all the way down the park with the eggs,” she said.

Both the Ocean Pines Police Department and neighborhood watch group members will help with clearing out the park between each round of egg quests.

Goetzinger said the Easter festivity is scheduled simultaneously with the weekly Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market, with each area clearly marked.

“We will rope off sections the day prior,” she said.

To partially compensate for the annual bonnet parade and contest being cancelled, the department has set a limited-space craft event for March 21.

The “Decorate Your Own Easter Bonnet” activity will take place Sunday, March 21 at the Ocean Pines Community Center’s Assateague Room from 1:30-3 p.m.

Goetzinger said the indoor gathering is limited to a maximum of 10 people.

“Three people have signed up so far, but there is only one round,” she said.

Youth who register while space remains will have the opportunity to spark their creative energies and transform a provided blank hat with decorative flourishes such as foam eggs, ribbons and feathers.

The cost to participate is $10 per craft for residents and $12 for non-residents. Due to limited head counts pre-registration is required by calling 410-641-7052.

For additional details or to register for events call the OP Recreation Department at 410-641-7052.