Children of all ages attend annual Old Fashioned Easter Egg Hunt

Though Saturday ended with rainfall, the early afternoon hours were sunny and the perfect weather for this year’s annual Old Fashioned Egg Hunt & Games at Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate. Children of all ages roamed the meadow in search of Easter eggs (which they later traded in for Pixy Stix and chocolate), had their face painted, and took a ride on the ponies. Some parents relaxed as they camped out on the lawn with picnic baskets and blankets—while others napped in the shade.

Oakland’s Office of Parks and Recreation sponsors the egg hunt and uses the entrance fee ($5 for adults and $2 for children ages five to 10) to alleviate the department’s costs. Mayor Jean Quan, who made a brief appearance at the event (and even stopped to take photos with some of the families) said the annual egg hunt sometimes brings in additional revenue for the department—and that money could determine if any city programs get cut.

“It’s a great event and it’s getting bigger and more diverse every year,” said Mayor  Quan. “We hope it’s actually going to break even or even make a little money because the Parks [and Recreation] department needs it—so I’m glad that they did well. It’s a big event and it’s a great Oakland tradition.”

For family-fun Easter events today, check out this week’s This Weekend in Oakland listings.