Annual Easter egg hunt held Saturday, March 22, at Pennings Farm Market

WARWICK - Easter came early this year and on Saturday, March 22. It was still a little cool but the sun was shining and everyone agreed it was a picture perfect day for Warwick’s 14th annual Easter Egg Hunt. Just after noon crowds of youngsters and their parents gathered at Pennings Farm Market just off Route 94 South. They were anxiously awaiting the start of another annual Easter Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department and Pennings Farm Market. That morning, volunteers and Pennings’ employees had placed thousands of candies in the fields behind the market and leading up to the apple orchard. About 15 minutes before the start of the event, the children were lined up in three age groups: Age three and under, ages four to six and ages seven and older. Moms and dads were permitted to help their toddlers. After last minute instructions and a 10-second countdown, the children were off and hunting, not only for the ordinary goodies, but also for special “golden eggs.” Each one of these contained notes entitling the lucky child to a special prize such as an ice cream treat or a chocolate Easter Bunny. Just before the start of the egg hunt, volunteer firefighters also held a contest for the most creative Easter basket. This year’s winner was Isabella Pizza, 4. During the egg hunt, Dillon Cosgrove, 10, Nicole Ramirez, 9, and Rachael Schlicht, 2, discovered the golden eggs. “We’re thankful that the weather was good this year,” said Kim Corkum, a volunteer with the Warwick Fire Department. “The Warwick Fire Department and Pennings has been sponsoring community event for 14 years. It’s a longtime tradition and it has always been a great way to kick off spring. Everybody loves watching the children.”