Families ‘hunt’ for Golden Bunnies

The Fournier and Quibell families stopped at YFC Youth Unlimited on Robinson Street Saturday, greeted by Jordin Anger and Lisa Cooper during the 3rd annual Simcoe Easter Egg Hunt.

By Chris Abbott

Editor

An estimated 300-400 families participated in Simcoe’s third annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, organized by mobilemend.

Families were invited to pick up maps for the event at dozens of participating businesses, all listed on mobilemend’s website and social media before the event. A suggested route was provided, but participants could start at any location, visit as many as they wanted, then finish at mobliemend (122 Robinson Street) to enter the grand prize Easter prize basket draws, visit the Norfolk County Fire Department representatives and fire truck, and hear a live music set by Hannah Dolson.

In addition to receiving an assortment of goodies, games, crafts or chocolate eggs provided at each location by individual businesses, families were looking for the 11 ‘Golden Bunny’ stops – each of which would give the family an additional grand prize ballot.

“We don’t announce which businesses those (Golden Bunny stops) are,” said mobilemend’s Morgan Xiola, General Business Management. “The Golden Bunny stops were implemented this year because the event is growing so much. I believe we had 52 businesses participating today… and we are trying to encourage participants to visit more businesses.”

Some people visited all the businesses during the four-hour Easter Egg Hunt. The average family, said Xiola, probably went to ‘at least half.’

“I would say it was a mixture of walking and driving. It’s probably easier to pick an end of town and then walk. Then get back in the car and explore further.”

Coordinated by mobilemend, which has shops in Simcoe and Brantford, Xiola said the Downtown Simcoe BIA was very supportive.

“Technically we do organize the event, but it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for all the other businesses, and the BIA is fantastic for amplifying the event on their social media.”

About 28-29 businesses participated in the first year, including some that just donated to the prize baskets. Last year’s event grew, and this year they added maybe 5-10 more.

“We (mobilemend) are very community driven. We do try to connect with as many businesses as we can in the community – that’s important to us – and it was really just a way for giving back to the community, and getting to know other businesses. It’s just kind of grown from there. Community… we’re all about it.”

Three grand prizes, each estimated to be about $500 - were available to win. Winners were expected to be announced April 22 on social media. Each participating business contributed to the grand prizes.

“As we’re a local business, we are really just thankful to be able to come together with other local businesses. It gives families a reason to get out in the community and explore and it gives us a chance to meet other people, too, which is really awesome.

“It’s a great way to get people back to the businesses later – and it’s really fun.”

chris@granthaven.com