Grab a basket, it’s Easter egg hunting time in Henry County

Now that spring has arrived, Easter isn't far behind, and with the holiday come Easter egg hunts. Whether in Mt. Pleasant or Salem, Henry County has a host of Easter egg hunts to choose from.

The largest of these will be in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m., which will include a Bounce House, an appearance from the Easter Bunny and cookie decorating and free hot dogs provided by Hy-Vee.

Kids wanting to hunt Easter eggs will be divided into four groups based on age and each of these will have the opportunity to win a special prize.

'There will be a golden egg for each group,” said Lisa Oetken, who organized the event. 'We've partnered with Walmart Distribution so that the one who finds (the golden egg) will win a bike.”

Iowa Wesleyan football players will be volunteering to hide eggs for the events, which will be hunted down by between 750 and 1,200 kids the day of the event. Oetken estimates the event will last between an hour and an hour and a half.

The New London Easter Egg Hunt will be the same day, April 13, starting at 10:30 a.m., at New London Specialty Care where the Easter Egg Hunt has been hosted for over a decade.

'We'll have it rain or snow,” said Jens Lee, the administrator of New London Specialty Care.

Last year, due to weather, they had to move the Easter Egg Hunt indoors for the first time. While temperatures in the 50s and a partially cloudy day are currently predicted for that weekend, the building is there if the hunt must be moved inside.

The event will also include a coloring contest judged by residents of New London Specialty Care and a magic show featuring magician Steve Parker of Burlington.

Later in the day on April 13, the City of Salem also will be hosting an area egg hunt. The Easter egg hunt itself will start at 1 p.m., in Salem City Park, but there will be a lunch of hot dogs at 12:30 p.m. thanks to a donation from C.W. Tree Trimming L.L.C. of Southeast Iowa.

'The first hundred kids to show up will receive a prize,” according to council member Chris Feehan, who is organizing the event. Last year, prizes included things for kids such as kites and bubble wand kits. There were also over 300 eggs hidden in years prior.

The Wayland Lions Club will be hosting an egg hunt a week later on Saturday, April 20, in West Park at 1 p.m., where kids first- through eighth-grade will be separated by age. According to treasurer Terry Kaufman, kids in kindergarten or younger will have their own egg hunt in front of Parkview Assisted Living at the same time.

Hillsboro also will have their third annual downtown Easter Egg Hunt on April 20, from 12 - 4 p.m. hosted by Study of Sweets.