Gunstock Ranch held its 29th annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15 complete with egg hunting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and food vendors. Several pastures were filled with more than 8,000 eggs with the help of BYU-Hawaii students, according to personnel at the ranch.
According to Jeremy Hanks, the chief ranch hand, traffic has always been an issue at the start of the event due to so many people coming from both directions. “This year we had implemented a second parking lot, which should lighten the traffic both from the highway and in trying to find parking. We are thankful for all of the volunteers who have helped get everyone in and out of the event effectively.”
Pastures were separated by age groups to allow as many children as possible to have a chance at finding eggs. Cackle Fresh Egg Farm donated fresh boiled eggs that were dyed and prepared the day before by volunteers. These eggs were hidden alongside plastic eggs filled with candy and small toys.
Synneva Collett, a senior from Montana studying international cultural studies, is the roommate of one of Gunstock’s employees. She said as soon as she had heard about the event, she wanted to get involved.
“My roommate has been working [there] for a while, and she is the one that introduced me to the Easter egg hunt. I got involved as a volunteer and worked as the egg coordinator for the event.
“I helped prepare the eggs and made sure we had everything organized. As soon as all of the egg-hiding volunteers showed up, I sent groups to the different areas that needed eggs. It was so rewarding to watch all of the kids have fun and find the eggs after all the hard work that was put in behind the scenes,” she said.
The Gunstock Easter Egg Hunt has been a non-profit event since is started according to the personnel. The Smith family, Cackle Fresh, and Gunstock Ranch serve as the main donors, making the event possible. Gunstock Ranch personnel said all other donations made by businesses or community members are put towards next year’s event.
Community businesses also participated in the event. Ulu’s Lemonade and Crazy Country Corn had booths set up with food for purchase.
Kimball Heaton, a freshman from Utah studying biomedical science, is a member of the BYUH Service Council who took part in planning and organizing for student volunteers. He said, “Being a part of the Service Council has been a great experience, and I am glad that it leads me to events like this egg hunt.”
Writer: Alyssa Odom