By MALEAH GRIFFIN
Tiger Media Network
FHSU Intramurals is hosting its Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Thursday. The Easter Bunny will kick off the excitement at the Gross Memorial Coliseum Gate 1 bright and early at 5:45 a.m., and there will be about 5,000 eggs, with over 800 of them containing tickets that align to an Excel Sheet, designating prizes. The rest are still filled with classic candy. The event provides a chance to forget about the stress of school and approaching finals, have a good time, and be a kid again for just a while.
“We’ve always been an intramural program that’s out of the box. We’ve been considered one of the best programs in the country, because nobody else does stuff like this,” said Ron Haag, director of Campus Recreation, and Intramurals.
The stakes are high with competition, candy, and prizes on the line.
“Honestly, it’s probably one of our most competitive events; even though people don’t expect it to be,” he said. “It’s not a little kid Easter egg hunt. The students get after it. It’s pretty serious.”
This event has been a tradition on campus for about 30 years. Its origin was approached with hesitancy; the early morning hours, college students’ willingness to participate, and the work and money that went into it.
“I remember people getting a hold of me and saying that nobody’s going to come at 6:00 in the morning,” Haag said.
However, people have been coming since the beginning. About 300 kids roll out of bed each year ready for thrill and fun. At the completion of the hunt, there is a breakfast provided; options such as bagels, waffles, fresh fruit, cereal, and pop tarts, are available for students to eat while collecting their prizes, enjoying their candy, and conversing.
“Even if you just come over for the breakfast, it’s awesome,” Haag said.
Students are encouraged to register ahead of time at IMLeagues. Registering upon arrival is possible, but it’s more expensive, running $5.00. The upcharge is in hopes of avoiding all the students trying to sign up that morning, delaying the start of the event.
Intramurals provides other Easter festivities, starting today in Cunningham Hall. Students can stop by between 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to decorate Easter eggs. On Wednesday, festive coloring sheets will be available. Students who participate in the coloring competition need to turn their completed sheet in by Friday. Prizes will be awarded to Most Original, Most School Spirit, and Most Colorful.