CLIO — In a scene Norman Rockwell would have envied painting, the town of Clio welcomed in spring Saturday morning, its annual Easter Egg Hunt held under blue skies with sunny breezes, followed by a midday cleaning of the town. A more perfect day God could not have set aside, and happy children accompanied by their eager parents took advantage, charging across the field of Bennett’s Park, making memories and collecting some of the over 1,200 eggs dropped by the Easter bunny.
According to Mayor Adam Pate, the town of Clio helped the Easter bunny fill 1,000 colorful eggs, while Tim McCoy generously donated 200 easter eggs for the event.
“The community loves hosting these kinds of events for families — today’s youth are our future and it so important for them to know the community supports them. Events like our annual egg hunt are such a joy to be a part of, there is nothing like seeing smiles on all the kids faces,” Pate said. He added, “With Mr. McCoy’s donation this made for our biggest egg hunt yet.”
A Clio hometown girl turned Bennettsville resident, Sonya Caulder said she was thrilled to bring her twins, Delanii and Dustin Jr. Locklear, to the annual egg hunt.
“We didn’t have things like this to do when we were growing up here — this is all thanks to Mayor Pate and the leadership. I know my parents just love him,” Caulder says, who now lives in Bennettsville to be closer to her brother. “This is such a great event for the kids in this community to have,” she added.
Returning for her second year, Lasheena Locklear says her daughter Kalaila is ready to hunt!
“I know she is a lot more hyper this year than she was last year. She’s definitely ready to do some hunting,” Locklear said.
Tia Cook said it was her first time bringing her daughter Jasmin to Clio’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.
“I know she is really looking forward to collecting eggs. I think this is such a great opportunity for families to enjoy,” Cook said.
The Vuolo family have enjoyed attending the annual event so much it is their third time bringing their kids to the holiday hunt.
“We always make wonderful memories here,” mom Jessica Vuolo said, adding, “I love watching them [Mason and Samantha] having fun finding eggs, cracking them open and then looking to see what is hidden inside.”
Following the Easter Egg Hunt, which was divided into multiple hunts based on age range, organizers held a raffle where attendees were given the chance to be awarded more treats. Showcasing Clio’s community spirit, participants gathered in a tight knit circle to cheer each child on when their number was called to claim their prize of golden easter eggs, easter egg baskets, and chocolate bunnies.
After the raffle, families were treated to a hotdog luncheon.
Continuing its push to promote community, Clio is looking forward to its Big Hats and Bow Ties Derby Day coming up on Saturday, May 2, at 5 p.m., at the Ivy Gate located at 204 Society Hill in Clio.