Stickney kids hunt for eggs, pose with bunny at annual park event

The Easter Bunny rolled into Stickney on a fire truck Saturday, drawing cheers from hundreds of kids gathered at Haley Park.

The village’s annual Easter Egg Hunt kicked off just before noon at 40th Street and Grove Avenue. Children were divided into three age groups and scattered across the park’s grassy hills in search of thousands of hidden plastic eggs.

After the scramble, the fun continued with dozens of raffle prizes. The line to meet the Easter Bunny stretched nearly a block and didn’t let up until every child got a photo.

Stickney Mayor Jeff Walik, village trustees, and members of the police and public works departments organized the event.

“It’s all worth it to see the excitement and smiles on the faces of the kids,” Walik said, moments after leading the countdown to the egg hunt.

Nya Alcantar was one of the first raffle winners. Her father, Luis Alcantar, said the event is something local families look forward to every year.