On Saturday, April 8, 2023, hundreds of community members of all ages joined together at Chisholm Park for the Township of Springfield’s annual Egg Hunt & Kite Fest, which was postponed from the previous week due to rain and wind. The event was sponsored by the Springfield Recreation Department, along with Mike Scalera State Farm Agency and Cardinal Land Properties. On a partly cloudy day in the low-50s, the popular spring event featured kite flying and separate egg hunts for toddlers through teenagers. Prizes — awarded to children for finding the winning ticket eggs, bringing the most creative kites, and flying the highest kites — were presented by Mayor Christopher Capodice; Springfield Patriot Chamber of Commerce Co-Chairman Mike Scalera, who served as master of ceremonies; Springfield Patriot Chamber of Commerce Co-Chairman Scott Seidel; Director of Recreation Adam Lieb; Assistant Director of Recreation Brendan O’Reilly; and Chief of Police John Cook.
The gift card prizes were donated by event supporter TD Pizza. Township Committeeman Richard Huber and Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., visited with event participants prior to the egg hunts. Following the two egg hunts, the Easter Bunny made an appearance and posed for pictures with families throughout the afternoon. In addition, a photo ring by Summit Soundz roamed the event snapping pictures and instantly texting them to cell phones for posting on social media. Summit Soundz also provided DJ music, dancing, and children’s contests. Party Maniacs of Springfield was a returning favorite at the event with make-your-own sand art necklaces. TD Pizza partnered with the event for a third time, this year selling a variety of flavor ices and ice cream to a line that stretched across the park. Returning this year was a giant inflatable corn maze by Amazing Amusements that proved fun and challenging. On hand at the event keeping the crowds safe were Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator Scott Seidel and Deputy Coordinator Frank Applegate, as well as Springfield First Aid Squad Chief and OEM Deputy Coordinator Apu Mullick, plus their crews. The Egg Hunt & Kite Fest received logistical and staff support from the Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Springfield Auxiliary Police, Springfield First Aid Squad, and several youth and adult volunteers.Â
Photos by Erin McNany, Springfield Recreation Department