The annual Easter egg hunt at Waterworth Memorial Park has become a beloved annual tradition, not only for Salem children but for families from as far away as Richfield, Boardman and Alliance since the Salem Parks Department and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Stouffer Realty began partnering for the event in 2020. 

Parks Director Kelli Pastore said that more than 15,000 eggs were packed, sealed and spread in four dedicated hunting areas for kids of differing ages, all at no cost to the participating families. 

This year’s hunt featured two separate hunting grounds for children aged five and under, one with parental assistance and one for kids to search solo, as well as areas for ages 5-7 and ages 8-10. Each age group received 15 minutes to fill their baskets with staggered start times to ensure that families with kids in multiple age groups can watch them all participate. 

While participants aren’t required to register for the event, Pastore estimated more than 1,000 children participated across the four groups this year. 

(Photo by Morgan Ahart)

In addition to the conventional Easter treats, each age group also had 10 special numbered eggs and a golden egg hidden amongst the field which were exchanged for special Easter prizes like rabbit ears, small toys and Easter-themed sunglasses. 

Salem’s finest were also in attendance Saturday with both the police and fire departments on site meeting with participating children and their families. The hunt was also visited by the Easter Bunny himself, who helped children exchange their eggs for prizes and took photos with the participating families.

Shown is Winslow Dickey, 1, North Lima. (Photo by Morgan Ahart) 

Graham Schwingle, 4, Salem, searches for Easter eggs. (Photo by Morgan Ahart) 

Jack Mangus, 4, Richfield, poses in fire engine #2. (Photo by Morgan Ahart) 

Rhea Roepke, 5, Salem, celebrates a successful Easter egg hunt. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)