The City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department will host the annual community Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at Lakeside Recreation Facility. The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a free event, sponsored by Hy-Vee, 105.3 KFM, and many other local businesses.
Angie Buchen, the Recreation Supervisor for the City of Galesburg, joined Galesburg's Morning News to discuss the Easter Egg Hunt, along with packed spring and summer of events and activities organized by the Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department.
Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt:
- This free event will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at the Lakeside Recreation Facility.
- The egg hunt is for children ages 2-11 and will be divided into four age groups: 2 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 9 to 11.
- All age groups will start at 1 p.m. sharp.
- Parents can accompany the youngest children (2-3 year olds).
- Over 10,000 candy-filled eggs will be available, along with grand prizes, including Lakeside Water Park family memberships.
- Families are encouraged to arrive early, around noon, to enjoy the mobile playground and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny, which will be available from noon to 2:00 p.m..
- Hy-Vee is a sponsor and will provide the candy for the eggs and operate a grilling station selling hot dogs and chips.
- Lemonade shakeups will also be available.
- Parking is located across the street at the old Shopko building, with limited handicap parking near the lakeside. Attendees should factor in the walk.
Upcoming Events:
- Touch a Truck: This event will be from 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7. It's geared towards preschool-aged children and will feature between 20 and 30 vehicles, possibly including a helicopter. Various organizations will set up activities, and the mobile playground truck will be present. It is a free event, and school field trips often attend. A variety of vehicles, including those from Ameren and BNSF, as well as single vehicles and possibly kayaks, will be there.
- Fishing Derby: The 38th annual fishing derby will be on Sunday, May 18th, for ages 3 to 15. Fishing starts at 1 p.m.. 600 goodie bags with prizes will be given out to those who catch a fish and redeem their ticket. Hy-Vee will also be grilling, and lemonade shakeups will be available. The lagoons are typically stocked with fish a few days before the derby, and no fishing is allowed until the event. Participants simply need to show up; registration is not required. Children should be able to hold their own pole and reel it in, though parents can assist. Adults cannot fish until after the derby.
Summer Activities Starting Soon After the Fishing Derby (May 24th):
- The Lakeside Water Park will open.
- The beach will open, offering swimming and boat rentals.
- Lakeside pools are open from noon to 6 p.m. and include a 5-foot pool, a zero-depth pool with play features and slides, and a pool with a taller blue slide.
- Single-day admission to the pools is $8, and children two and under are free. Family memberships are also available.
- Lifeguards are still needed for the summer at both Lakeside and Hawthorne pools. Applicants must be 15 and older, and the city will pay for their lifeguard certification class if they agree to work for them.
- Swim lessons registration is open, with the next session starting in the first week of May.
- Aquafit classes are offered daily on weekdays throughout the summer.
Other Recreation Programs:
- Adult softball league starts the first week of May at the Lake Storey fields.
- Registration for the Lakeside swim team (ages 5-18, all skill levels) is ongoing.
- Pickleball drop-ins are available on Wednesdays through Saturdays in the morning for $5 at Hawthorne Gym.
- Nature camps will begin in June.
More information on all these events and programs can be found on the City of Galesburg's website and their Facebook page.
