CASSOPOLIS — Cass County Parks and Recreation Commission’s annual “Spring Egg-stravaganza” usually takes place the Saturday before Easter.

With an early Easter March 31 that likely would have added swirling snowflakes to the mix, the 2 1/2-hour event at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run St., southeast of Vandalia, was kept from the calendar until Saturday, April 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

As egg hunts go, Cass County’s is rather unique, with 5,000 candy-stuffed eggs to be located in close to dark conditions.

Flashlights are a necessary accessory at the hunt also sponsored by Friends of the Cass County Parks.

Parks Director Scott Wyman said Tuesday the night hunt concept began several years ago out of a desire to “carve out our own audience” and stand apart from similar events.

Besides soaking up 80-degree temperatures spring break week in Florida to transport to stubbornly cool Southwest Michigan, Wyman added another wrinkle this year — llamas and alpacas.

Thanks to a chance meeting at Russ Forest Park, Lawless Park will be visited by Furry Friends 4-H Club of Berrien County.

“It really surprised me” when he encountered members walking their animals on leashes.

“We allow horses,” he said. “They have a hard time walking llamas and alpacas on public property.”

Egg hunters are dispatched in three waves:

• Ages 2-4, approximately 6:30 in the open games field.

• Ages 5-7, approximately 7:30 west of the tubing hill.

• Ages 8-10, approximately 7:30 back in the open games field.

If unpredictable rain or snow make the hunt more “eggciting,” the fireplace will be going with hot food and beverages available.

An “eggceptional” lineup of activities also includes face painting, crafts, hayrides and Mesko Farms’ petting zoo.

As an “eggstra” special treat, they will welcome the Spring Chick for photos.

Wyman said the $2-per-person charge supports general park operations.

From Dowagiac, take M-60 from Cassopolis to 2.5 miles east of Vandalia.

Turn south on Lewis Lake Street and follow signs to the county’s largest park.

For more information, or to volunteer, call (269) 445-4456 or email Wyman at scottwy@cassco.org.

Dowagiac Daily News